THE PRINT EDITION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
2019 City Councilor Election: All Four At-Large Incumbents Advance by Rick Winterson
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e spite a low turnout, there were some interesting results in Tuesday’s Primary Election for City Council seats. South Boston is directly represented on the City Council by Ed Flynn (District 2) and Frank Baker (District 3). These two District seats were not contested in the 2019 Primary, so Ed and Frank were not on the Primary ballot. Therefore, they both will automatically appear on the General Election ba llot on November 5. South Boston Online thinks that the pattern of votes among the At-Large Council candidates is worth mentioning. This race had 15 total candidates. Four of the 15 were incumbents – Michelle Wu, Annissa Essaibi-George, Michael
Flaherty, and Althea Garrison. Between them, these four (out of 15) garnered approximately 75,000 (55%) of the 137,000 total votes cast – well over half of the votes. All four of them will appear on the ballot in November. The new candidates who qualif ied for the General Election ballot in November
are (in decreasing order of the votes they received) Alejandra St. Guillen, Julia Mejia, Erin Murphy, and David Halbert. Their showings were certainly respectable, since most of them received around 10,000 votes in a crowded field of candidates. But Tuesday’s turnout was small. All of the South Boston
polling places said “it’s slow”, when asked about the turnout. We roughly estimate (using preliminary. unofficial figures) that roughly 15% of Boston’s registered voter bothered to show up at the polls on Tuesday. That’s shameful. South Boston faces many political issues – substance abuse, transport problems, continued education improvement, and global warming that is causing an inexorable rise in sea levels. Vote for the candidates who will dig in and resolve these issues, of course, but first of all, you must vote! We are in a highly critical election cycle. The 2020 Presidential Election will take place just one year, one month, and one week from now. Please get involved in our critical City, State, and National affairs. But above all, please VOTE this year and next!
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
“Hidden Treasures” Returns by Rick Winterson
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ast year at this time, the Laboure Center (275 West Broadway, corner of D) inaugurated their first “Hidden Treasures” Skinner Event. This was so successful that Laboure is presenting “Hidden Treasures” again. You’ll welcome the news that this event is returning for the second time on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. If you haven’t heard about “Hidden Treasures”, it is a “happening” that allows you to obtain a professional appraisal of an item in your possession, which could be an heirloom, a family hand-me-down, something you found, or something you bought simply because you liked it. And we said “professional”. Well, two appraisers are coming to “Hidden Treasures” from Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers, the nationally renowned auction house at Downtown Boston’s Park Plaza. They will give you their professional insights about the objects you bring them – whether they are valuable, historic, or beautiful (or all three). The price for appraising each item you present to the appraisers is $20. That fee includes general
admission to “Hidden Treasures” as well as refreshments. In addition, Laboure Christmas Shoppe items will be on sale. Once again, that’s $20 for each object you want to have appraised. The appraisers from Skinner will share pertinent insights, including an item’s history and value, on everything brought to them. Making an appraisal appointment in advance is strongly (!) recommended. Otherwise, you might have to wait in line, or even miss the chance at an appraisal altogether. Yes, you can be a “walk-in” if you like, but an appointment is recommended. Just call 617-4648500 or visit ccab.org/event. The two 2019 Skinner appraisers will be Christopher Fox (who also appraised last year), and LaGina Austin (Skinner’s Director of Appraisal and Auction Services). Both Fox and Austin are well educated, widely experienced, and well -k nown writers/ speakers in the appraisal field. Last ye a r’s “H idden Treasures” was a great success – more than 60 items were appraised, including toy soldiers from the Civil War era, antique doorstops, serving pitchers, a letter signed by Gen. Douglas
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MacArthur, and even some objects unearthed while digging in a local garden. Two items of significant value were discovered – an antique vase of great beauty and a rare child’s porcelain doll. Needless to say, these appraisals were very pleasant surprises for their owners. All proceeds from the 2019 “Hidden Treasures” will directly support Catholic Charities’ Laboure Center here in South Boston. The Center focuses on
workforce development, family stabilization, and youth, elder, and health programs. South Boston Online understands that Laboure is planning some new programs as well. “Hidden Treasures” begins Laboure’s 2019 fall fundraisers. These include their Christmas Shoppe (SAT, November 16; SAT/SUN, December 6,7), and their iconic Christmas House Tours over the weekend of December 6 and 7.
Senator Collins Pushes for More Access to Public Safety Jobs Legislation Would Remove Barriers to Police and Firefighter Positions at Massport, UMass State Senator Nick Collins testified this Tuesday on a piece of legislation, S.1383, An Act Relative to Requirements for Public Safety Departments, designed to increase access to Police and Fire Department jobs within quasi-state-agencies like MassPort, UMass, and all State Colleges and Universities. This legislation simply states that these agencies may send recruits to the State Academies directly, rather than requiring prior training, as a way to lower barriers to access for communities that face these mechanical disadvantages. “This bill is about access and opportunity plain and simple, reducing barriers to public safety positions for individuals who want to serve, but don’t have the luxury to pay for police or fire training, or live in a small town where they get that for free” said Senator Collins. “I’d like to see more of these jobs in our community be accessible to people who come from the city.” The bill had a public hearing in the Public Safety Committee on Tuesday and will now be deliberated by the Committee.
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
Clergy, Volunteers Devoted To Helping Handicapped Ray Flynn, Former Mayor of Boston and U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. ttending the annual Simon of Cyrene Society fundraising breakfast at Venezia Restaurant in Dorchester is always a fun and moving event, as it was this past Sunday. The Simon of Cyrene Society has worked for 40 years with members of the physically and developmentally disabled community in many social and spiritual ways. Throughout the year, families get to meet all the wonderful volunteers who are so committed to helping needy and deserving special needs children and adults. The name of the organization comes from the Biblical figure Simon of Cyrene, who helped carry Christ’s cross, and it serves people
of all creeds and races. Sister Peggy Youngclaus, SND, has been the heart and soul of the organization since the passing of its founder, Father Tom McDonnell, who was pastor of St. Augustine’s Church in South Boston and a devoutly faithful Catholic priest who had a special love for physically challenged people. I remember the day when thenCardinal Humberto Medeiros asked a committed and passionate Faqther Tom to head up the Archdiocese of Boston mission to care for our handicapped and challenged brothers and sisters. Kathy and my family immediately signed up as volunteers. One event that meant so much to people, and one of the most moving events in my life, but which never got much media attention, took place when Pope John Paul II, first came to visit the United States on Oct. 1, 1979. Kathy and I worked with
Sister Peggy Youngclaus, SND, presents award to Lindsay Gerety. (Photos by Charles Harrington)
Sister Peggy Youngclaus, SND, is presented a vacation trip from Paul Donahue.
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Father Tom, and he arranged with the city for several hundred handicapped and senior citizens in wheelchairs to sit directly in front of the altar on the Boston Common. They had the best view of all the 1 million people who filled the Common that morning. But halfway through the Mass, down came the pouring rain. Many of the spectators ran for cover on Beacon and Tremont streets and the State House. That is, all but the elderly, handicapped and special needs children. Even if they could, not one of them in front of the altar ran for cover against the downpour. During Holy Communion, Pope John Paul II walked down from the altar, into the rain to distribute Holy Communion to them and bless others. Leo Sullivan from Boston, who was a U.S. Secret Service Agent assigned to protect the Pope, would tell people later that he had never seen a more moving scene. And neither have I. Years later, whenever I was in the presence of the pope, he would look
Jack O’Brien enjoys breakfast with his grandmother Beverly O’Brien, at annual breakfast. at me and others gathered, smile and say that I was “the Ambassador of Rain.” But Father Tom of the Simon of Cyrene Society was the priest who brought us all together on that historic day in Boston. We can never forget him, Sister Peggy and all those who carry on his dream of helping all our handicapped and physically challenged brothers and sisters.
The Lawn On D 5K USATF-Certified SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH
Race begins at 10 am • Bar & Games at 11 am • Live Music at 12 pm The Lawn On D will be hosting its own USATF-certified 5K race! The course will run entirely on convention center property, starting and finishing at The Lawn On D. Registration is open and includes a race bib, a long-sleeve runner shirt, and a medal! After the race, there will be food and drinks available for purchase, lawn games, and live music by one of Southie’s favorite bands, Thomas Park.
Register for the race now at LawnOnD5K.com! Former Sen. President William M. Bulger, center, at left is Mary S. Bulger, at center, is daughter Mary, at far right is Sister Immacula Mary, SND, sister of the late Father Tom McDonnell.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
GrubStreet: To South Boston Seaport District Next April
Mayor Walsh welcomes GrubStreet to its new cultural space on the South Boston Waterfront.
by Rick Winterson
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ate last year, the Fallon Company and the City of Boston announced that GrubStreet had been selected to occupy the 13,000 square feet of cultural space at 50 Liberty Drive on Fan Pier. GrubStreet is the largest creative writing center in the U.S., and it is world-famous. This new and beautiful space was generously donated by Fallon. On Thursday afternoon, September 19, 50 Liberty Drive held a public preview of this cultural space. Eve Bridberg, Mayor Marty Walsh, Arts and Culture Chief K ara ElliotOrtega, BPDA Director Brian Golden, GrubStreet’s students, instructors, and students, along with 250 guests were on hand. Board member Jennifer De Leon opened the program; an original poem was recited by GrubStreet member Evangelina G ome z . C on g r at u l ator y remarks followed, given by Arts and Culture Chief Kara Elliot-Ortega. Mayor Walsh commented on the importance of the work so far successfully done by GrubStreet, and then expressed his gratitude to them and to cultural space donor Joe Fallon and his firm. Grubstreet Founder and ED Eve Bridburg energetically and enthusiastically closed the program by thanking her many, many volunteers,
a nd t hen procla iming, “I am looking forward to this SO much”, referring to their planned opening in April. At present, the cultural space is completely constructed but unfinished. However, it is obvious that it will allow a tremendous expansion of GrubStreet’s mission on its two f loors. The first f loor will be devoted to common spaces, including a café, off ices, a bookstore, and an event space that can be a performance area for live readings. The second level will house work spaces, meeting rooms, several large and sma ll classrooms, and a community lounge. The lounge will feature magnificent views of Boston Harbor and is directly across from the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art). GrubStreet is the creation and brainchild of Eve Bridburg, the Founder and Executive Director of the organization. GrubStreet started up 22 years ago in 1997, beginning with eight pupils/members and two writing instructors; one of the two was Bridburg herself. Its space was in Downtown Boston, on Boylston Street in the block bet ween Tremont and Charles Streets. It first attracted significant attention when Harper Collins published a mystery novel – “Dead Low Tide” - by GrubStreet student Jamie Katz. Enrollment swiftly grew to 100 students, taught by some dozen or more instructors. Over its 22 year life, GrubStreet has instructed more than 10,000 Boston area members, who have earned numerous publication credits after joining GrubStreet. It’s worth mentioning that GrubStreet does not offer writing degree programs. Its workshops are described by the words “Muse”, “Marketplace”, and “Writing Life”. These offer help with generating ideas, getting work published, and dealing
with problems such as deadlines, respectively. The roster of GrubStreet’s published authors is quite impressive. Nowadays, they even offer prizes and a kind of scholarships. GrubStreet has offered field programs in East Boston, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury, and conducted proje c t s ent i le d “Memoi r Project”, YAWP (Young Adult Writing Program), and the Su m mer Teen Fel low sh ip. A nd in ca se you a re wonderi ng , Gr ubSt reet i s h=named for a street in London. As far back as 1630 (the year the Puritans settled Boston), it was the home of English creative
Kara Elliot-Ortega, Boston’s Chief of Arts and Culture expresses her enthusiasm for Grub Street’s new quarters. wirters. It has disappeared, but was located about where London’s Milton Street is at this time.
The harborview from GrubStreet’s new cultural space, looking eastward to Boston Harbor’s President Roads.
The striking entrance at Joe Fallon’s 50 Liberty Drive building, with its space-filling abstract metal sculpture.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
The USS Kearsarge in 1900
Joe Cook sent this photo to us at South Boston Online. It dates from about 1900; it depicts the second naval warship in the five-vessel line of fighting ships called “USS Kearsarge”. The first Kearsarge was a sloop-of-war named “Kearsarge” after the mountain in New Hampshire. She was best known for her decisive defeat of the CSS Alabama, a raider of commerce for the Confederates during the Civil War. So what is the USS Kearsarge’s connection to South Boston? The connection is the anchor in our own Marine Park, now slated for refurbishment under a CPA grant to the Allied War Veterans Council. This anchor once belonged to the USS Kearsarge. She (and her anchor) saw naval combat service in both the Spanish-American War and World War I. The origin on the word “Kearsarge” is obscure. It might be indian, or it could be derived from a colonial settler’s name.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Taking Back the Hill: No Man’s Land Revisited by Rick Winterson
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edicine Wheel Productions held its Second Annual “taking Back the Hill” outdoor event last Sunday, the 15th. It took place in No Man’s Land - a celebration of both the work now completed, as well as projects that will be getting underway there in the near future. Medicine Wheel Productions has been “in charge” of rebuilding No Man’s Land for 23 years – ever since a 200-person community gathering took place there in 1996, to which each person brought a rock. Hence, the party’s title – “Taking Back the Hill”, the hill on which a revitalized,
park-like No Man’s Land now sits. Medicine Wheel Productions itself recently completed its 25th year. It’s a 501c(3), non-profit organization, founded and directed by South Boston’s Michael Dowling, that is dedicated to art as a public service. Current public art projects include “Hand in Hand” where youth and police officers make art together, an international AIDS Day vigil, and paid work programs that create public art. To this end, Medicine Wheel recently added Jaspreep Kaur. Her title explains it all - she is Medicine Wheel’s Director of Case Management and Workforce Development. And then there’s the No Man’s Land project. Originally, the sloping
Medicine Wheel/No Man’s Land supporters gather at the Hill.
Your host of the BBQ, Peter Alto, feeds 75 or so.
Phyllis Corbitt and Joe Rull receive their 2019 “Queen and King of the Hill” Awards from Michael Dowling (center).
embankment of a Boston reservoir, and a crescent shaped acre in area, it was overgrown and abandoned for about a century. Over the last 23 years, perhaps more than 1,000 young people have labored for pay to “Take Back the Hill”. Literally! The quality of their work, along with the immediately evident quality of what No Man’s Land has become, is astonishing. This effort deserved the recent “Taking Back the Hill” cookout and celebration. If you are any doubt, please recognize that No Man’s Land is now a park open to all. In particular, walk slowly along its upper pathway, and let No Man’s Land unfold before you. Sunday’s celebration also saw
Phyllis Corbitt named 2019 “Queen of the Hill”, while Joe Rull was honored with a comparable “King of the Hill” award, conferred by Medicine Wheel’s Artistic Director Michael Dowling. Phyllis is President of the Old Colony Tenant Task Force; Joe sits on the Medicine Wheel Board of Directors. Seventy-five celebrants enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers, and all kinds of trimmins’ al fresco, cooked by Peter Alto. The Sunset Kings serenaded the assemblage from the Ed Danis Serenity Garden, named in honor of an alcoholic who put together 37 years of sobriety before he passed on. And Sunday’s sunset was gorgeous, surpassed only by the Harvest Moon later on.
The ladies gather on the Hill on Sunday – to take it back, of course.
The groaning al fresco board at Sunday’s “Taking Back the Hill”.
The Sunset Kings (at, well, sunset!) play in the Ed Danis Serenity Garden.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
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Hope For the Warrios to Honor Tom Lyons
Lyons, Vietnam veteran to receive Harry Bridgwood Lifetime Service Award Hope for Warriors will host its 10th Annual Got Heart give Hope Gala onThursday, Oct. 17 at Union Station in Washington, DC. The annual event honors members of our nation’s armed forces and their families with the Vigiano Hope & Courage Award, named in honor of the Vigiano family, who lost both of their sons in the September 11th attacks. For the f irst time, in celebration of the event’s 10 t h yea r a nd embracing the spirit of John Vigiano’s le g ac y, Hope For T he Wa r r ior s w i l l i nt roduc e si x awa rd s h ig h l ig ht i ng i nd iv idu a l s , c or p or at ion s and organizations who have
stood beside the organization in serving military families. Tom Lyons will receive the Harry Bridgwood Lifetime Service Award, which is awarded to a Vietnam-era veteran who has committed his or her life to serving the next generations of the warrior communit y. Lyons served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967-1970 which includes a combat tour in Vietnam. He has served as director for Community Services Department at MassHousing Agency, is a member of the Secretary of the VA Advisory C om m it te e on Home le s s Veterans, Chairman of the Ma ssachusetts Vetera n a nd War Memoria l Commission and a member of the Governor’s Vetera ns Advisor y Council and Chairman of the SubCommittee on Veterans Housing. Lyons is the recipient of the 2011 “Marine For Life” Award presented by General James Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, for his 30 years of advocacy on behalf of our nation’s veterans. A longtime friend to Hope For The Warriors and its mission, he was recently appointed to the organization’s Board Council.
At the 10 t h Annual Got Heart Give Hope Gala, Hope For The Warriors will bring together its veteran and civilian supporters to celebrate the strength and resilienc y of t he milita r y community. It’s a night filled with inspiring and uplifting stories that raises awareness of the impactful work Hope For The Warriors is doing in the lives of our service members and their loved ones. Senior military, distinguished guests, celebrities, corporate benefactors and friends join together to honor these very special people. For more in format ion on attending, sponsoring or donating on behalf of Tom Lyons, visit: hopeforthewa rriors.org Founded in 2006, Hope
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For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for post 9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 23,200 through a variety of support programs focused on clinical health and wellness, sports a nd recreation a nd transition. One of the nonprofit’s first programs, Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships, has awarded over 135 scholarships to caregivers and families of the fallen. In addition, Run For The Warriors has captured the hearts of over 25,500 since 2010. For more information, visit: hopeforthewa rriors.org
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Curragh’s Fancy Plays and Sings Again by Rick Winterson
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t was the second such happening. Last year, the City Point Neighborhood Association (the CPNA) decided to hold an outdoor concert devoted to Irish music, and who better to bring such an event to life than that South Boston favorite, Curragh’s Fancy. Last Sunday, the 22nd, Curragh’s Fancy repeated their display of Irish virtuosity for the second time. It was an excellent performance by them; South Boston Online can only hope that they do this every year on an annual basis. The locale was Marine Park, stretching along Farragut Road and bounded by Day Boulevard and the City Point/Pleasure Bay beaches. Curragh’s Fancy plugged in at the brick bandstand in the Park (dedicated a couple of years ago to Harry Uhlman). They started promptly at 4 p.m., playing and singing right up to 6 p.m. It was kind of a magic day – September 22 was the last full day of summer this year and it might just have been the most glorious day of the entire 2019 summer season. Temperatures and mostly clear skies combined into a perfect blend for outdoor enjoyment. The Curragh’s Fancy trio are Dave Leahy, Michael Kelley, and Bob Fowkes.
The Rogers family They play multiple instruments used by Irish combos these days – guitars, mandolin, banjo, bass, and (of course) the tin whistle. While Bob Fowkes is the lead singer in Curragh’s Fancy, all three members join in with close, expertly rendered Irish harmonies . They have been together for some time; it’s tempting to discern influences that, well, have influenced the three of them. In this writer’s opinion, Curragh’s Fancy has more touches of the Clancy Brothers
The Witkins, Bakers, and Healys share a blanket at the Curragh’r Fancy Concert.
than any other group – especially because of their close Irish harmonies. The opening set got off to a vibefilled start, when Curragh’s Fancy segued into “The Night That Murphy Died”. As the set continued, the kids brought by many of the families began dancing on the grass around the brick bandstand. During their second set, Curragh’s Fancy played several country-and-western numbers from post-World War II into the ‘50s, when C&W really boomed.
There’s no question that American C&W influences Irish music (note the frequent use of banjos and bluegrass style mandolins, a la Bill Monroe). It’s also true that much of our mountain music here in the U.S. has strong Gaelic roots. Anyhow, we hope that from now on, our summers will always be ended with a Curragh’s Fancy Concert in Marine Park. Thank you, CPNA and City Pointers.
Michael Kelley of Curragh’s Fancy is on great voice at Sunday’s CPNA Concert.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
City Pointers – Joanne, Jill, and Rob – enjoy Irish music by Curragh’s Fancy.
Jimmy and Tom Connolly (just returned from Ireland) enjoying Irish music.
The crowd at CPNA’s concert by Curragh’s Fancy at the Marine Park bandstand.
Dave Leahy, Bob Fowkes, and Michael Kelley are the Curragh’s Fancy threesome.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Presenting “Meet Me on the Brink”: A Parable of Climate Change by Rick Winterson
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ort Point Theatre Channel (the FPTC) has its home here in the Fort Point neighborhood. It is located on 15 Channel Center Street, in an area called “Midway Production & Performance Lab” on the ground floor at that street address. Last Sunday evening in the Lab, the FPTC presented a runthrough of their original, 20-minute dramatic vignette entitled “Meet Me on the Brink”. This vignette was commissioned by the FPTC, and is the creation of Boston’s Letta Neely. Ms. Neely is an award-winning poet, a playwright, and a performer, as Sycorax in “Meer Me on the Brink” last Sunday night as well. For more than a decade, the FPTC has been engaged in presenting varied performing arts, along with many productions that possess arresting “new takes”. That is certainly the case here. Led by its two co-Artistic Directors, Marc Miller and Christine Noah, the FPTC has taken Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and reconfigured
The cast of “Meet Me on the Brink” fields questions about the play after their bow.
it as the basis or underlying theme for exploring many urgent contemporary issues. To do this, the FPTC put together a collective with several other local performing organizations. All of them are connecting, creating, and developing their own short vignettes about critical issues contained in “The Tempest”. That’s a total of six vignettes (including Neely’s “Meet Me on the Brink”) about issues that are still critically important early in the 21st Century. These original works, after being first performed in their own Boston
Mitchel King Ahern designed the sound and played it on his own invented instrument.
A lobby display by Channel Center resident artist and comic aficionado Nick Thorkelson.
neighborhoods, will be assembled into a complete production entitled “”Tempest Reconfigured”. The entire “Tempest Reconfigured” will then be performed twice in November, at the Black Box Theater, Codman Square Health Center (Thursday, NOV 07, 7 p.m.) and in Rabb Hall, Boston Public Library (Thursday, NOV 14, 7 p.m.). Needless to say, you are cordially invited to attend. “Tempest Reconfigured” is supported in part by a live Arts Boston grant. You night well ask what a fantasy such as Shakespeare’s “the
Tempest” has to say to us in 2019. After all, “The Tempest” was first performed the day after Halloween in 1611, all of 418 years ago. How about climate control? Prospero was a magician who could control storms. Perhaps South Boston could have used his talents early in 2018. How about mother-son relationships? Caliban’s mother Sycorax was a witch. She had died long before the action in the original “The Tempest”. She’s alive and highly vocal in 2019, playing Caliban’s highly energetic mother in “Meet Me on the Brink”. The other players in “Meet Me on the Brink” deserve mention as well – Amanda Farrington as Miranda; Manuel Aquiles Lopez Torres as Caliban. Nick Thorkelson’s graphics greeted the audience last Sunday; the music of Mitchel King Ahern was completely new to the writer, but evoked memes of a hardware-based theremin. Overall, “Meet Me on the Brink” was clearly a concerted team effort, freely accomplished by a devoted group of artists, who used both their imaginations and their hands.
The strikingly novel stage at “Meet Me on the Brink” in Fort Point’s 15 Channel Center.
Miranda (Amanda Farrington) speaks urgently to Caliban (Manuel Aquilas Lopez Torres).
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
Tips when calling 9-1-1 from Boston Police Department and Haley Dillon, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services:
CALLING 9-1-1
IS IT AN EMERGENCY: Yes or No?
If it is an emergency we can get someone out to the scene right away. Everything that the Boston Police does is channeled through the 9-1-1 system. It allows us to prioritize calls, and is stamped with the date and time for future use. Calls are coded and prioritized by degree or urgency. If it is a Non-Emergency, people should still call 9-1-1 so that we can keep accurate records of what is happening in out City.
I WANT TO BE ANONYMOUS, HOW DO I DO THAT?
When calling 9-1-1 the Operator will ask «What is your emergency”? Please explain what is happening. The operator will ask you for your name and phone number. If you want to remain anonymous, simply say “I would like to remain ANONYMOUS; please do not send a car to my house,” then give the address you would like them to investigate. This will ensure that your name, number, and address are not recorded. This will also ensure that the officers will not come to your house.
WHEN ASKED WHAT IS YOUR EMERGENCY, DON’T BE VAGUE.
Simply say what is going on. For example if there is a group of people hanging around where you live drinking or using drugs, don’t say “Can you please send a car up my street? There are people hanging around.” Instead say, “Can you please send a car to (insert address)? There are non-residents there drinking, using drugs and causing a disturbance.”
WHEN GIVING A DESCRIPTION OF A SUSPECT, BE AS SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE.
Give the Operator as much information as you can about the suspect, such as: gender, race, age, hair type/color, facial hair, height & weight, build, clothing description. If you›re describing a car, include: License state/number, color, make, model, year, customizations, dents/scratches, and direction of travel.
DON’T ASSUME SOMEONE ELSE WILL CALL!
Oftentimes people assume someone else will call; and a crime in progress becomes more problematic due to the lack of reporting. Take ownership of your street!!! And make sure your neighbors do the same. Be the extra set of eyes and ears for officers patrolling your neighborhood and alert them when something occurs; no matter how minor you think it may be. Timely calls to 9-1-1 help solve crimes. This in turn reduces their frequency and improves the quality of life for residents. ALL THESE TIPS ARE HELPFUL AND USEFUL TO THE POLICE! THE POLICE NEED YOUR HELP TO FIGHT CRIME, REDUCE FEAR, AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
CRIMESTOPPERS: call 1-800-494-TIPS, or text the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463).
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2019 Recovery Month Ends Fall has arrived; September is ending. This month was observed as 2109 National Recovery Month – a month of nationwide observances and offerings of help to those unfortunate people suffering from substance abuse. The observances ranged from celebrations of recovery to chalked messages on South Boston sidewalks. Northeastern University sent their Health and Wellness Van to South Boston last week. Several people gathered to talk about the message of Recovery – an allimportant local message.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
SBCA News Highlights from the Art Class In Art Class, we welcomed our new Art Teacher, Ms. Valerie Szmurlo‌ “As a first time art teacher, I am so excited to start my year! With International Dot Day being Sunday September 15, I thought it was the perfect way to start. My goal as an art teacher is to make sure every student is able to create and feel confident no matter what their skill level might be. International Dot Day encourages students to always try their best and have fun because we are all artists! This year we will also be exploring clay with 4, 5 and 6th grade through electives. This gives students a chance to explore clay techniques and creativity while getting their hands messy. We have a fun year planned and I look forward to growing with the students. South Boston Catholic Academy (www.
SBCat holic Academy.org ) is currently accepting applications for all classes PreSchool-Grade 6. We have Before School and After School Programs available and high acceptance rate to Parochial, Private and Boston Exam Schools. Please contact:
Mrs. Jamie Brown, our Vice Principal, with any questions or for a tour of the School at
j.brow n@sbcat holicacademy. or g or phone 617-2 6 8 2326 for more information.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
ZONING HEARING The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a public hearing will be held on October 9, 2019, at 9:15 A.M., in Room 900, Boston City Hall, in connection with Text Amendment Application No. 489 filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency. Said text amendment would amend Article 68, South Boston Neighborhood District, with respect to building height, density and minimum lot size. A copy of the amendment may be viewed at the office of the Zoning Commission, Room 952, Boston, City Hall, between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. any day except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
For the Commission Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive 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
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD South Boston
South Boston APAC · 424 West Broadway Wednesdays, 10 AM - 12 PM SEPT 25 & OCT 30
Come meet with Boston Water and Sewer Commission staff in
your Neighborhood and learn why it’s important scoop the poop when taking your dog for a walk. You can also pay your water bill with a check or money order, talk about billing or service problems, and more.
No Charge for Initial Consultation
82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com
Come meet our team!
Scoop the Poop! Help prevent contamination of our waterways. Pick up your pet’s waste and put it in the trash. If left on the street, pet waste can be carried by rain into catch basins, which drain directly to local waterways.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
USS Constitution to Begin Fall Hours
Seamless Transitions: Anton’s Cleaners Opens New Location Through Acquisition of Sturgis Cleaners
USS Constitution is scheduled to modify their hours for free public visitation for the fall season. Starting Oct. 2, USS Constitution will be open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, USS Constitution will be closed, and the new hours of operation for free public visits will be Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. While aboard, guests may walk the ship at their own pace and ask questions to the ship’s active-duty Navy Sailors. Additionally, Sailors will give presentations on the ship’s history every 30 minutes. All guests, age 18 and older, are required to show a valid state or federal photo I.D. or a passport to board the ship. Guests of Charleston Navy Yard are also encouraged to visit the USS Constitution Museum, which will be open for their standard daily operating hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution by preserving and interpreting the stories of “Old Ironsides” and those associated with her. USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. Designated America’s Ship of State, Constitution and her crew engage in community outreach and education about the ship’s history and the importance of naval power to more than 500,000 visitors each year.
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Anton’s Cleaners, based in Tewksbury, Mass. recently acquired Sturgis Cleaners at 135 West Broadway in South Boston. After 43 years, Sturgis Cleaners’ original owner Peter Triantos transitioned leadership of this location to Anton’s Cleaners as of August 1, 2019. Anton’s named Bo Keo, former manager of the Chelmsford location, the manager of what is now Anton’s 42nd location. The acquisition expands Anton’s Boston footprint to four locations. “Development and growth in South Boston are outstanding, thanks to visionary leaders,”
said Arthur Anton Jr., COO of Anton’s Cleaners. “With more than 106 years of experience, it’s clear that Anton’s Cleaners will take good care of the area work ing professiona ls who strive to look their best. We are looking forward to expanding our footprint and relationships in the South Boston neighborhood and provide exceptional customer service, on-site alterations, and innovative services such as the free VIP Express program.” All VIP Express members receive two free clothing bags, ready-today service, automatic credit card payments, no d r o p - o f f /pi c k u p w a it i n g , a nd monthly savings by email – all at no extra charge. This S out h B o s ton Anton’s Cleaners provides all work on-premise, including t a i loring a nd a lterat ions with seamstresses on site. For more information, visit http://www.antons.com or contact the South Boston location directly at 617-269-1014.
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 THE PRINT EDITION
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