SBOL_11_16_2023

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

Pure Joy

Stop the Bullying Boston City Council Passes Anti-Bullying Policy

T

he City Council voted unanimously to adopt an AntiBullying Policy for the City Council, which was sponsored by Council President Flynn. The vote came after three working sessions chaired by Council President Flynn. This policy is part of his emphasis on creating a safe and healthy work environment, and is an important step in preventing workplace bullying.

The final version of the policy incorporated input and suggestions from Councilors present at the three Rules Committee working sessions chaired by Councilor Flynn discussing the Anti-Bullying policy he filed in May. This policy includes potential examples of what workplace bullying

may look like, and serves as a value statement from the City Council that workplace bullying is not tolerated. After passage, Councilors, staff, interns, and volunteers will sign this to acknowledge that they have read this, and the receipt will be kept in their personnel file. New Staff information sessions hosted by Central Staff will also include information on this policy.

“I hope that this policy can serve as a first step in addressing and preventing workplace bullying, and it is also my hope that both future Council Presidents and Councilors will build upon this draft, and make efforts to create a more respectful and inclusive work environment,” said Council President Flynn. “It is of the utmost importance that we have a workplace in the City Council where everyone feels welcome and not subject to any type of bullying or harassment.”

A soft opening of the Michael Joyce Playground in South Boston’s Marine Park took place on Wednesday. The $1.4 million renovation project came together through the strong partnerships of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Colin’s Joy Project, the Joyce family, colleagues in the Legislature, and the City of Boston making it more accessible to children of all abilities. The official Ribbon Cutting will take plaee in the Spring. More Photos on Page 4 Photos by Ginger DeShaney

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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South Boston Never Forgets

by Rick Winterson

S

out h B oston is a neighborhood community that never forgets its military veterans.

Now, Veterans Day honors all veterans, but it especially celebrates America’s living veterans and those veterans who have died since returning from active military duty.

On Saturday, the 11th, the Thomas F. Fitzgerald VFW Post 561 opened the doors to its veterans’ remembrances. A crowd of 100 enjoyed coffee and pastries while getting set to form up and march over to St. Brigid Church. We had a brief interview with Post Commander

Thomas McCarthy, who said, “I can’t tell you how much it means to me when I see the support we are giving to our veterans today.” Tom reminded us in particular about the needs at the Chelsea Soldiers Home. We were also impressed with the appearance of the Girl Scout Troop 64225, who later marched with us.

The JROTC Contingent from South Boston High School then formed up and led the march to St. Brigid Church. State Senator Nick Collins, City Council President Ed Flynn, and Councilors-at-Large Michael Flaherty and Erin Murphy were part of the Parade, as were many veterans and their families. Kevin Conroy played the pipes. The march went up Fourth Street, across L, and then on to the Church.

At Saint Brigid Church in the Lower Hall, Fr. Joe white said the Mass for Veterans. Readings were taken from Isaiah and from St. Matthew’s Gospel, which narrates the Eight Beatitudes – blessings given by Jesus Christ during His Sermon on the Mount. When the Mass was finished, bugler Tommy Fiorentino played Taps. Then, Comdr.

Tom McCarthy conducted a moving ceremony for recently deceased veterans with lit candles. As the names of the deceased were spoken, the candles

were blown out in obvious symbolism.

The Castle Island Association (the CIA) held a flag retirement last Saturday as well. This they do semi-annually on both Flag Day (June 14) and Veterans Day. Retirement is a formal ceremony that incinerates the flags into ashes when they are damaged or worn out, which prevents them from being misused in any way. The master of ceremonies Joeph Walsh commanded The Scots Highlanders Pipes & Drums to present arms, and they formed up around the incineration site. After the Sergeant-atArms read the proclamation, Taps was played by Tommy Fiorentino and the grate holding the use flags was ignited.

The formation adjourned after the old flags became engulfed in a pyre of flames.

And were you aware that 2023 is the 50th Anniversary Year of our AllVolunteer Military? On July 1, 1973,

President Richard M. Nixon signed into law that the military draft (also called “conscription”) was ended. At that moment in history, service in U.S. Armed Forces became entirely voluntary.

The military draft had served to staff the Armed Forces for more than 30 years – from 1940 to 1973. Since then, more than 11 million (11,000,000) volunteers have served, so almost all of the veterans you might have seen last Saturday were likely to be volunteers themselves.

Beginning in the mid-1900s, many veterans’ benefits have been improved.

For example, the USO is no longer just an entertainment agency. It also helps veterans prepare for and find jobs when they return. In closing, we’ll ask you especially to remember those veterans still affected by wounds – physical or mental – they received during their active duty, especially in combat.

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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City Council Passes Firearms Ordiance

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he Boston City C ou nci l pa s se d an ordina nce co-sponsored by City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4) and City Council President Ed Flynn (District 2) aimed at combating the 150-200 shootings recorded in the city each year.

The ordinance will require the Boston Police Department to submit an annual report on seized or surrendered firearms that is expected to inform policy to stem gun violence in the city.

“I believe that data-informed solutions can help us ensure that we’re taking the best approaches possible to reduce gun violence,” said Councilor Worrell. “Where are the guns coming from? Where do we need more resources?

How can we best prevent repeat offenders? This report should help us tackle the answers to these questions and proactively spot any other trends of concern.”

The annual report will coordinate information from the Boston Police Department, Ma ssachusetts State Police, Suffolk County Sheriff ’s Office and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. The data for each firearm will include whether it was involved in a crime, where it originated, when it was last legally sold, where it was seized, and the age of the person with the gun when it was recovered. Also included will be each gun’s model, manufacturer, modifications and any licensed dealers, as well as if it was registered in any databases.

“This annual report on the f low of illegal firearms into Boston will assist law enforcement a nd p ol ic y m a k er s b e t ter understand the impact of illegal gun trafficking, and help us develop strategies on gun violence prevention a nd education,” said Council President Flynn.

The annual report, which will be submitted to the City C ou nc i l, M ayor’s O f f ic e

and Boston Public Hea lth Commission, also aims for a review of trends on how firearms are transported into the city as well as any other takeaways or polic y recommendations t h at t he B o s ton Pol ic e Depa r t ment b e l ie ve s can a dd re s s gun t r a f f ic k i n g.

T he ord i na nc e c ome s 13 months af ter the Cit y

Council unanimously declared gun violence a public health emergency. In 2022, the Boston Police recovered more than 900 guns, while a recent report showed that only 10 percent of guns recovered at Boston crime scenes in 2021 were purchased in Massachusetts. Earlier this year, the Boston Public Health Commission released a report

showing t hat t he leading cause of death among Boston kids ages 1-17 was homicide.

“There are too many kids in our city who are dying from gun violence. No child should be unsafe in their own city. We need to act,” said Councilor Worrell.

“I think these reports will help give us a better chance at crafting policies that will do that.”

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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Pure Joy at the Michael Joyce Playground Soft Opening

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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Spotlight on Erin LaMonica: Community Initiatives Coordinator at SBNH

Erin LaMonica in an “Ollie” classroom

by Rick Winterson

S

ince May, Erin LaMonica has been employed as the Community Initiatives Coordinator by the South Boston Neighborhood House (the SBNH) on H Street. Erin’s position is funded with a three-year grant to the SBANP (South Boston Association of Non-Profits) from a Tufts Medical program, which is specifically named “The Tufts Community Benefits and Health Equity Project”. In her capacity as Coordinator, she reports directly to Kathy Lafferty, the SBNH’s Executive Director. Erin has learned a lot in her six months here.

Nowadays, she frequently refers to the SBNH as the “Ollie”, an affectionate nickname derived from Olivia James, the SBNH’s Founder.

As the Community Initiative Coordinator, Erin has responsibilities that involve many of the “Ollie’s” and SBANP’s community-driven initiatives. In a neighborhood as active as South Boston, this requires solid education credentials and much practical experience, both of which Erin certainly brings to the job.

She earned her B.A. degree in Policy Studies at Syracuse University, along with minors in Business Management and Philosophy.

Ten years later, she undertook graduate studies at Merrimack College, receiving a Master of Education degree in Community Engagement, with concentrations in University, Institutional, and Governmental Relations.

Her studies basically focused on social justice and community activism.

For four years after she received her undergraduate degree at Syracuse, Erin worked in Manchester, New Hampshire. At Catholic Charities with Americorps VISTA, she recruited program candidates and eventually rose to a VISTA Lead

role. Then, as the Coordinator of Volunteers at the New Hampshire Food Bank, she recruited, trained, and supervised volunteers, while also conducting fundraisers and tours of the Food Bank’s Manchester facility.

In 2015, Erin became the Senior Manager of Community Engagement for the Greater Boston Food Bank – commonly known as the “GBFB”. She worked on community engagement with some 22,000 volunteers each year, in support of distribution efforts at New England’s largest hunger relief agency.

She was a member of GBFB’s digital transformation team and supervised daily warehouse operations aimed at safe food handling. And in addition to her Masters’ studies at Merrimack College, she was appointed as a Graduate Fellow serving as a key high school contact, a program coordinator, and a developer of special events.

Erin is originally from Frederick, a small, historic city in the middle of Maryland. She is married to Marc LaMonica, who was born and raised in South Boston and is now an Instructor at Local 17 Sheet Metal Workers’ Junior Apprentice Training Center. They live in the Bayside neighborhood just east of the High

School. When asked what interests she and Marc share, she quickly replied in just one word, “Hockey!”

Since joining SBNH in May of this year, Erin’s responsibilities have been three-fold: First, Erin helps oversee classes entitled “Celebrating Families” in the Laboure Center. These feature professional lectures, along with actual stories from the attending family members themselves and from their children. “Celebrating Families” is focused upon “Recovery”.

Second, she administers support groups and their sessions, partnering with Rev. Burns Stanfield in his “Peace by Piece” program at South Boston’s Fourth Presbyterian Church. We’ve heard this program plans to eventually expand into rooms on O’Connor Way in the Mary Ellen McCormick Development.

Finally, Erin also administers a Professional Development Workshop on trauma-informed care.

To summarize, Erin’s goal is “Behavioral health support for children on up to adulthood, along with their families.” She is totally delighted at being able to live and work in South Boston. And she is devoted to the “Ollie” one hundred percent (100%)!

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Julie’s Evening a Great Success

by Rick Winterson

J

ulie’s Family Learning Progra m, a wel lknown South Boston non-profit association, held an introductory event that was also a fundraiser at Publico. This event exceeded the most optimistic expectations of everyone involved.

According to Michelle Persson Reilly, Julie’s Executive Director, the attendance at the fundraiser numbered more than 100 interested patrons – twice as many as they had expected.

Furthermore, the amounts either raised or pledged were approximately double their initial expectations.

It was a (very) successful evening.

According to her, special thanks are due to Julie’s Board Member Casey Shaughnessy. He led the effort to organize the entire event.

She also expressed her gratitude to Publico for donating their picturesque garden space and providing some really elegant refreshments. In addition to introducing Julie’s

who’ll advise Julie’s members about rents, public benefits, and services at the appropriate agencies.

Julie’s is truly a wonderful place. Three speakers followed, who enlarged upon that remark: Brianna, an April graduate of Julie’s who has two children and two younger brothers to care for, spoke about the HiSET preparation program “filled with so much love and caring”. Brianna has now begun an internship as a Medical Assistant.

Then Brooke Robbins, a volunteer

services to many members of the South Boston community, the event was also a very enjoyable evening.

After welcoming remarks by Board Member Shaughnessy, Michelle Persson Reilly spoke about Julie’s ongoing efforts in the community.

Next year, Julie’s will have been here in South Boston for 50 years. It is a welcoming and inclusive space providing education and supporting services to mothers who are heads of their households, to anyone aged 16 or more (whose education was disrupted), and to children up to 6 years old.

In addition, Julie’s has daily meals onsite, a donation room that gives away clothing, and Family Advocates

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Adult Education Intern at Julie’s, explained her own internship. She’s a Senior in Psychology at Emmanual; she serves by tutoring students oneon-one. Brooke says, “I have mainly loved being able to meet people with different backgrounds, who share a common goal …”. Finally, Sharon Asiaf described her early voluntary efforts as a member of the South Boston Mom’s Club, and then, after 17 years of involvement with Julie’s, has now become the Board Chair of Julie’s Family Learning Program.

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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The DAV 5K: A Tribute to Service, Sacrifice, and Community

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he DAV 5K Boston at Castle Island Saturday was the perfect way to celebrate Veterans Day. “When we come together for this

race, we tell all of the men and women of our military in Massachusetts that we recognize the sacrifices they continue to make, the strength and the courage that they have shown for our country so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have,” said Lisa Hughes of WBZ-TV, the emcee of the DAV 5K. “It’s such an honor to be with you here at Castle Island again, at Fort Independence, saying thank you to the men and women of our military for their service to this country and for the sacrifices they make. You are the examples in our midst every day of resilience and courage and strength.”

Of the 1,500 registrants for the

8th annual DAV 5K, more than 340 were local veterans. The DAV 5K is a run, walk, or roll to thank those who served and raise awareness of the issues that ill and injured veterans face every day. This event helps further the mission of the DAV Department of Massachusetts to ensure injured heroes are not alone on their road to recovery.

Hughes took the opportunity to thank the DAV for everything it does to support the men and women when they come home. This support includes helping with housing, health care, food, transportation, claims and benefits, social opportunities, and so much more. “And by coming out and being a part of this

race, we are supporting that good work in Massachusetts every single day,” she said.

Hughes noted one big absence from the event this year. “There is one veteran this year who is not with us, although he is always with us in spirit, and that is our dear friend Lou Pasquale, a member of the greatest generation whose legacy is service.

This race is also a part of his legacy.”

Dan Stack, CEO of DAV, thanked all the participants and sponsors. “Every dime you donate … means so much to us,” he said, noting that the funds allow the Disabled American Veterans to provide the necessary services to the disabled veterans of Massachusetts.

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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Let it Snow(port)!

Everyone seems to be in the holiday spirit already! Before the Holiday Market at Snowport even opened on Friday, there was a line waiting to get in. The Market features 120 vendors, a ton of food options, a mistletoe arch, a crafting corner, the winter wish wall, and more.

Visitors to the Market got an early jump on their holiday shopping Friday as vendors were very busy and the weather cooperated. The Market will be open Monday-Thursday 3-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. There will be extended hours Dec. 11-31: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday through Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The Holiday Market will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Dec. 26. In addition to the Market, curling is back, in a new location on Harbor Way. The Tree Market will run from Nov. 17 through Dec. 23. The Seaport Christmas tree lighting on Seaport Common will be held on Dec. 1 and the Menorah lighting will be held Dec. 10. And always keep an eye out for Betty the Yeti.

CITATION ON PETITION FOR ORDER OF COMPLETE SETTLEMENT

CITATION ON PETITION FOR SALE OF REAL ESTATE BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE CITATION ON PETITION FOR s·ALE OF REAL ESTATE BY A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

CITATION ON PETITION FOR ORDER OF COMPLETE SETTLEMENT

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

Docket No. SU23P0006EA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

Docket No. SU15P1109PM

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Estate of:

Suffolk Probate and Family Court

Estate of: Rachel Schwolow

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Robert Coviello

24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114

24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617)788-8300

(617)788-8300 Date of Death: 07/04/2022 To all interested persons:

A Petition for Order of Complete Settlement has been filed by

A Petition for Sale of Real Estate has been filed by: Charles Holmes, Jr.

of

Thais Gassiraro

of

MA

Boston

MA

Boston

requesting that the court authorize the Personal Representative to sell the decedent's real estate at a private sale.

requesting that the court enter a formal Decree of Complete Settlement including the allowance of a final account Conservator and other such relief as may be requested in the Petition.

, of the

IMPORTANT NOTICE

IMPORTANT NOTICE

You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this court before:

You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this court before:

10:00 a.m. on the return day of 12/15/2023.

10:00 a.m. on the return day of 12/15/2023

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

November 10, 2023

Date:

Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate

tt

See Santa, get Holiday ---------'-----Deals at Stroll! tt tt

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court.

Date:

Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate

PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE

The Stroll features Santa on an antique fire truck followed by up-and-coming pop singers from MusicBall Entertainment. More than 50 participating businesses will be offering incredible savings on Nov. 30; look for the big red bow on their storefronts.

Santa is making a bit of a change in his route, going up Old Colony on his way to four stops on East and West Broadway (there will be hot chocolate and treats at each stop):

4:15 p.m. – Medal of Honor Park 4:45 p.m. – Library on East Broadway: tree lighting 5:15 p.m. – West Broadway Municipal Parking Lot 5:45 p.m. – Corner of C Street and West Broadway The Original Dickens Carolers will be strolling along East Broadway (4-6 p.m.) and West Broadway (5-7 p.m.). And free Pedicab rides will be available from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to whisk customers to their favorite establishments.

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Ann M Cushing, Esq.

Cushing and Dolan, P.C.

Emma Funnell, Esq.

The Christmas Stroll will take place on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 4-6 p.m., kicking off a month of Shopping, Dining, and Splurging at our local businesses and restaurants!

tt

The Law Office of

November 10, 2023

The South Boston Chamber of Commerce and the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation are excited to once again Law Offices of Russo and Minchoff 210 Union Wharf make the Broadway business district and surrounding areas a festive Boston, MA 02109 place for the community to shop and dine locally during thepage holiday 1 of MPC 593 (3/1/17) season.

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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SBCA Honoring Veterans

O

n Thursday, November 10th, we had a special visit from Staff SGT Marco Defelice, in the U. S. Army.

He came in and spoke to grades 3-6 about Veterans Day and the students asked him so many interesting questions. The 6th Graders read a special prayer...”A Prayer for Veterans Day” that began with...”Governor of

Nations, our Strength and Shield: we give you thanks for the devotion and courage of all those who have offered military service for this country; For those who have fought for freedom; for those who laid down their lives for others; for those who have borne suffering of mind or of body; for those who have brought their best gifts to times in need and the prayer ended

with...Give to us, your people, grateful hearts and a united will to honor these men and women and hold them always in our love and our prayers; until your world is perfected in peace through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

Afterwards, he walked around and said hello to the students in grades K1-2. The students all presented him with cards for him to hand out

to Veterans. Staff Sergeant Defelice is the husband of our Grade 3A Teacher, Mrs. Kellie Defelice. The students and teachers enjoyed and learned alot about life in the Service of our country and what it is like to be a Veteran at this presentation! A Special Thank You to Staff SGT Marco Defelice and to all Veterans for their Service. God Bless you all

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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