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A FREE THURSDAY PUBLICATION

THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2014

“For somehow, not only at Christmas, but all the log year through, The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.” (John Greenleaf Whittier)

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2014 Proves Banner Year for Southie Real Estate Boston Tree Lighting

Did you sell a property in South Boston this year? Congratulations! You certainly picked the right year to sell as a lack of available properties in South Boston has continued to contribute to record sale prices in 2014.

According to the latest Town Stats figures published by The Warren Group, South Boston properties are hotter than ever.

From January-October 2014, the median sale price of single families was $540,500 – up almost 6% from last year’s record numbers. Condos saw an ever bigger jump in 2014, selling for a median price of $481,000 – an 8% jump from last year.

Meanwhile, multiunit properties are selling for staggering amounts. Median sale prices for South Boston two families are up to $581,477 while three families are selling for $919,112 – representing percentage increases of 19% and 36% respectively from the same time period in 2013.

“They can’t build units fast enough”, said

Jackie Rooney of South Boston’s Rooney Real Estate. “The demand is still greater than the supply, the market is still strong with rates hovering around 4% and sale prices are only going up.”

Despite the jump in sale prices, overall sales are actually down in South Boston.

Overall single family sales took a 3.6% dip from last year while condos similarly took a 2.5% hit. Two family sales have fallen a precipitous 33% since last year while three family sales are down 5.7% from 2013.

This trend looks set to continue as there are only a total 3 single families, 53 condos and 3 multifamily properties currently on the market in South Boston as of December 15.

“This is definitely a seller’s market”, said Rooney. “Real estate experts estimate that a healthy buyer’s market should have at least 3 months of available inventory.

Right now, in South Boston, we’re only seeing two and a half weeks’ worth of inventory on the market”.

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Mayor Martin J. Walsh is joined by WCVB-TV’s Anthony Everett, Santa Claus, and some lucky youngsters as they prepare to throw the switch lighting Boston’s official Christmas tree and Boston Common at the City of Boston’s 73rd annual tree lighting celebration on December 4. The event was presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department with title sponsor The Province of Nova Scotia, signature sponsors Capital One 360 and Emera Inc., and presenting sponsors Distrigas/GDF SUEZ and Roche Bros.

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December 18, 2014

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“The Victimization of America Continues” It’s December again, and we all know what that means! ‘Tis the season to be confused over what we should call this time of year.

Are we celebrating the Christmas Season or is it the “Holiday Season”? Is that a Christmas tree all lit up on Boston Common or are we now supposed to call it a “Holiday tree”? And are we going around the neighborhood to sing Christmas carols this year or “Holiday songs”?

Just last month, Marshfield residents were up in arms after their school committee upheld a decision to change the school systems’ Christmas Vacation to a “Holiday Break” – despite the fact that residents collected 4,200 signatures in protest of the name change. Meanwhile, an elementary school in Belmont was under fire for its deci-

sion (which was later reversed) to cancel the school’s annual trip to see “The Nutcracker” because some felt it contained religious content (i.e. a Christmas tree).

Unfortunately, overbearing political correctness is not just limited to the Christmas season. The Lincoln, Nebraska Public Schools District made news in October for what many thought was an over-sensitive gender training in which it was suggested that teachers no longer refer to their students as boys and girls but rather by creating classroom names like “purple penguins”. It was also suggested that teachers ask their students to line up by whether they prefer “skateboards or bikes” rather than by gender.

At times like this, when we

can’t seem to get out of our own politically correct way, we find the following quote to be very apropos - “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

It’s been almost 54 years since John F. Kennedy spoke those now iconic words during his inaugural address. And while JFK certainly wasn’t perfect, he was really on to something with that line.

All too often these days, it seems as if many of us are more concerned with promoting a culture of overbearing political correctness and victimization than with actually working towards making the United States a better place to live.

So instead of whining that you’re

Linehan Names Coordinator for SB Councilor Linehan has named John Ulrich as his new Constituent Services Coordinator for South Boston. John is taking over for Mark McGonagle, the new Community Affairs Liaison for the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

John will be responsible for directing Constituent Services in South Boston. He brings with him an extensive knowledge of the neighborhood and the issues it faces. John is a long-time resident of South Boston who grew up in the Gate of Heaven neighborhood as the second youngest of eight children.

John said: “In my new role, I’ll be able to give back to my community. I always enjoyed being

too traumatized by recent grand jury decisions or too busy protesting them to take your final exams (we’re talking to you Harvard, Columbia and Georgetown law students) or worrying over what you should call the National Football League team that plays in Washington DC (still the Redskins last time we checked), let’s take some time this Christmas season to focus on the issues that really matter to all of us – like the economy, education, affordable healthcare, immigration and public safety. We have a feeling that we would all reap the benefits if we could just spend a little more time working on those issues and a little less time worrying if we’re going to offend someone by wishing them a Merry Christmas.

Holiday Helpers

able to help city residents during my tenure with the Parks Department, and this new opportunity will give me a chance to positively impact people’s lives on a much larger scale.”

John previously worked for ten years in the Boston Parks Department, and for the Boston Center for the Arts in the South End. While with the Parks Department, he developed extensive first-hand knowledge of how best to bring city services to residents.

He will be able to use that knowledge and experience to help make the city work better for everyone.

Councilor Linehan said: “I am excited to welcome John to my office. He is a great addition to my team

Employees of Suffolk Construction, including Katy Powell of South Boston collected over 200 holiday presents valued at more than $3,000 for the families served by the Elizabeth Stone House in Roxbury. On Monday, December 15th, Murphy and some of her co-workers delivered the gifts to the Stone House. Pictured (l – r): Beverly Quinn, Tyler Murphy, Powell, Nadine Ebersole, and Dominique Lynch.

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Update on Resident Parking At the request of City Council President Bill Linehan, the Boston Transportation Department implemented a new Resident Parking Program in September of this year. City Point was selected as the pilot area for this new program, which expands the effective hours of the neighborhood’s Resident Parking Program to provide more parking availability for South Boston residents.

The updated program is the result of resident complaints about vehicles from outside the city coming in and parking for the entire weekend, severely limiting the ability of many residents, especially seniors, to go anywhere on weekends.

Council President Linehan pushed for changes to address the issue.

Prior to the new program’s implementation, resident only parking existed overnight from Monday to Thursday. The new program provides resident only overnight parking all seven nights of the week.

Linehan continues to receive feedback from residents about the program, and it is overwhelmingly positive. Residents are pleased the President has strongly advocated expanding the Resident Parking Program pilot area. City Point residents are enjoying the benefits of resident park-

ing and President Linehan would like more South Boston residents to feel the same.

Boston Transportation Department statistics prove that visitors were taking up a significant number of resident spaces on weekends before the program began.

BTD cited 2,022 vehicles for resident parking violations in the program’s first 11 weekends. This is an average of nearly 100 vehicles parking in resident spaces each weekend evening. Council President Linehan commented, “We implemented this to address community concerns about a lack of available parking on weekends. I continue to work with BTD to improve visitor parking opportunities, and to create more parking, in South Boston.”

Given the amount of positive feedback and data, Council President Linehan said, “I have discussed the results in the pilot area with BTD and I plan to schedule a meeting to discuss the expansion of the seven day Resident Parking Program throughout South Boston. In the interim, I will continue to work with BTD to identify new resident parking areas in the community and to explore other parking options that may ease the parking problem for South Boston residents.”

December 18, 2014

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December 18, 2014

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“Art and Soul” at Artists for Humanity

by Rick Winterson

“Art and Soul” is how Artists for Humanity (AfH) referred to their recent Holiday Art Market at their EpiCenter Building on the corner of A and Second Streets in South Boston. Purchases made at the Art Market support the artistic pursuits of around 300 teen-agers each year.

All of the works of art and everything that was for sale were made

by Artists for Humanity’s highly talented artists and designers.

The versatility of these young creators and craftspeople is incredible.

A list of their works includes pho-

tography, jewelry, paintings, cards, functional art, wearable art, Holiday photo-booth shots, eco-friendly furniture, and many other eye-catching surprises. If that wasn’t enough, “Art and Soul” also featured treats

by Gourmet Caterers and music by The Solefull Lounge.

A key feature of the “Art and Soul” exhibition and Art Market was the third-floor atelier, an open workshop where as many as 100 young artists steadily worked. A question immediately comes to mind: “Why are these young people working so hard, with so much concentration?”

A few quotes from the young art-

Washed Over II” by Ammany Ty, a powerful rendering of breaking waves at “Art and Soul”.

S BO

ists themselves will best answer that question.

“At AfH, I’ve become more positive and self-confident.”, “If I didn’t have AfH tutoring, I would not have made it to the 12th Grade.”, “AfH has opened my eyes to different possibilities.”, “At AfH, I am learning what it means to actually work for something.” You get their message, of course.

And the activities at AfH are truly memorable. The guests at their Ninth annual Greatest Party on Earth last April said, “This really was the greatest party ever!”. Governor Deval Patrick has visited AfH,

Mayor Marty Walsh received the 2014 EpiCenter Award, and on March 5, President Barack Obama made an appearance at the EpiCenter. Seniors graduating from AfH have not only been accepted to fine art schools, such as the Museum School, Mass College of Art, and Pratt in New York. Their life experiences at AfH have qualified them for Wentworth, Simmons, Wheelock, Hofstra, B.U., and Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

All this is not too shabby, eh wot?

Keep your eye open for the many public exhibitions and activities at AfH next year in 2015.

The incredibly busy atelier at Artists for Humanity during the “Art and Soul” exhibition.

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December 18, 2014

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Artists for Humanity’s hand-crafted T-shirts screen printed for the “Art and Soul” exhibition.

A teal-clad bimp (right) looks at jewelry created for Artists for Humanity’s “Art and Soul” show.

The exhibition floor at Artists for Humanity, open for the “Art and Soul” show.

“Hidden Gem” by David A. Douyon, a sunlit second-growth forest at Artists for Humanity.

Msgr. Thomas J McDonnell and Frank Kelley Christmas Dinner St. Monica’s Hall (corner of Old Colony Ave. and Prebble St.) An artist at Artists for Humanity paints a bathing woman form memory.

Christmas Day 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

All are welcome.

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A colorful oil, “Pineapple” by Emily Velazques, evokes Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”.

Hosted by: Pegasus, the mythic winged horse, comes alive at Artists for Humanity’s “Art and Soul” show.

The South Boston Catholic Parishes and the Elected Officials.

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December 18, 2014

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The Second Annual Gingerbread Houses

by Rick Winterson

The origin of gingerbread houses is lost in history, but it goes back to Medieval times. Perhaps there’s a dim reflection of their history in “Hansel and Gretel”, the most famous of the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales. It’s certainly a wintry, Christmasy custom to make ginger-flavored pastries in all kinds of shapes as the nights grow longer.

Well, among other South Boston observances, this year the South Boston Arts Association partnered with the Branch Library for the second time to have a gingerbread house contest, followed a week

later with a gingerbread building session, in which our young people learned how to carry on this tradition. It was a great success all around. Perhaps next year – the third year – there’ll by three sessions of gingerbread house building. We’ll show the City how to chip away at our lack of housing.

The contest was, well, hotly contested. The first prize (to gingerbread houses built by individuals) went to Brooke Spaulding for her carefully crafted A-frame ski lodge, surrounded by balsam trees and firewood. Second place went to a gingerbread re-creation of Sullivan’s, where you got the hot dog,

The Nutcracker stage – the S.B. Neighborhood Development’s non-profit winner.

by Eric and Christina Prentis. The seagulls and the recognizable trash cans at Sully’s were nice touches.

Third was Lucas Monahan’s miniature reproduction of Copley Square’s Hancock Tower by the Boston Public Library.

The South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation submitted a beautiful gingerbread stage evoking Tsaichovsky’s “The Nutcracker”, set for the scene with the dancing mice and having a window view of the Dorchester Heights Memorial. The popular favorite was selected by those who attended the show – it was the Catholic Academy by the students, who pro-

moted themselves very successfully.

The Rooney Real Estate submission of a Southie three-decker was the largest gingerbread house by far – “E” for Effort!

Eight days later, on December 12, 50 or more young people from all over South Boston showed up at the Branch Library to learn how to build gingerbread house, again courtesy of the South Boston Arts Association. Out of this floury, sugary, gingery mess came countless fine-looking gingerbread houses.

The Library is already discussing the next, third gingerbread house building events around Christmastime, 2015.

A huge, double three decker gingerbread house submitted by Rooney Real Estate.

A second-prize gingerbread Sully’s by the Prentis’s – note the seagulls and the trash cans

Kids of all sizes and ages learn to make gingerbread houses at the Library.

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December 18, 2014

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State to Name Street Hockey Rink After Donald “Donny” Higgins

Governor Deval Patrick recently signed into law House Bill 4201, officially designating the street hockey rink on Farragut Road, behind Murphy Rink, as the Donald F. Higgins Memorial Street Hockey Arena.

Several decades ago, the Commonwealth built two full size tennis courts behind the rink on Department of Conservation and Recreation property.

Donald “Donny” Higgins, who grew up right across the street and who had worked as a skate guard at Murphy Rink, lobbied to transform one of the tennis courts into a street hockey court so that the children of South Boston could play hockey during summer months while the rink was closed.

Since then the street hockey courts have served generations of South Boston youth. Many players, both men and women, who grew up playing hockey on the court, have built successful careers, earning high school and college scholarships, with some being drafted to play in the National Hockey League.

Annually this court is host to some of the most competitive street hockey competitions in the Commonwealth.

“Without the advocacy of Donny Higgins and the support of his family, who lived across the street and bore the brunt of late night games that kept kids off the street, this important community resource would not be there and none of its benefits to our local youth would have been realized,” said Represen-

Merry Christmas from CYO Basketball

tative Nick Collins, who sponsored the bill. “As someone who grew up playing hockey at these courts and as part of an entire generation of South Boston youth who did as well, it could not be more fitting to name this court after the man who made it all happen.”

“I am proud to have helped my colleague, Representative Nick Collins, pass this legislation in the Senate to honor Donald “Donny” Higgins’ efforts,” said Senator Linda Dorcena Forry.

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(from left to right) On behalf of the Gate of Heaven CYO basketball program, Logan Crowley. Xavier Nunez, Dan Mahoney, and Dermot Murray, would like to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

“By naming this street hockey rink in memory of Donny, we are recognizing the great contributions that he and his entire family have made to the South Boston community,” concluded Senator Forry.

“On behalf of the Higgins family, I would like to thank the state for approving the naming of the rink and a debt of gratitude to Representative Collins and Senator Forry for their work in getting this done,” said Billy Higgins, Donald’s brother.

EDWARD M MCGUIRE III

Boston Redevelopment Authority One City Hall Square, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02201 617.918.4251 Edward.McGuire@Boston.gov

BostonRedevelopmentAuthority.org Theresa Donovan, Assistant Secretary

CLOSE OF COMMENT PERIOD: Monday, January 12, 2015

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December 18, 2014

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Peter Golemme Revisits Southie

by Rick Winterson

For many years, Peter Golemme had provided music on demand to his devoted audiences in South Boston. Peter’s day job is working as a highly successful tax lawyer.

He’s also a classically trained pianist, whose keyboard and/or grand piano (when he’s where a grand piano is) have entertained thousands of South Boston residents.

But last year he and Mary relocated to their new home in Hanover Last Saturday, Peter returned to South Boston for the day, with his keyboard at his side. He was the guest artist at the regular monthly meeting of the South Boston Arts Association (the SBAA) in the morning; in the afternoon, he renewed an old tradition of leading the caroling at Marian Manor.

At the SBAA meeting, Peter spoke briefly about various jazz pianists who influenced his own playing.

Many of these have now passed but their names linger on, because they brought the piano forward from ragtime as a viable and expressive jazz instrument . Jazz, with its primarily African-American roots, flowed up the Mississippi River, and then spread out from Chicago both east and west, especially into New York City and its “Harlem Renaissance”.

He started with Fats Waller, who developed a technique with his rhythmic left hand sometimes called “stride”. Earl “Fatha” Hines took his own techniques to the West Coast; Teddy Wilson played with many big bands, including Benny Goodman’s in Carnegie Hall. The time period was during the 1930s and ‘40s Peter went on to mention Errol Garner as another of his examples – Garner plays a lot of notes in a sound evocative of modern jazz.

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pianist in the 50s was Art Tatum.

According to Peter, it is the joy, spirit, and even the exuberance these pianists brought to jazz that he especially likes. There was distinct break point when be-bop arrived upon the jazz scene.

He ended his presentation by playing several numbers, including the iconic “Rosetta” In the afternoon, patrons and performers gathered in the Marian Manor meeting room for caroling.

The 20-member group who sang is known as the Dorchester Heights Tabernacle Choir; soloists included Peg Fahey and (of course) the indefatigable Helen Flaherty. For an hour and a half, the residents of the Manor were well-entertained. They freely joined in with the singers, but here’s a confession: We enjoyed the caroling more than anyone else.

Be sure to come back and visit next year, Peter. South Boston misses you.

South Boston’s Peter Golemme is the featured artist at December’s SBAA meeting.

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A shy, demure Peg Fahey sang a carol solo at the Manor last Saturday.

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December 18, 2014

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“Our Common Path” Comes True It has taken 18 years, but now, with the park behind the High School nearing completion, “Medicine Wheel”, “No Man’s Land”, and “Our Common Path” have become part of South Boston’s language. Medicine Wheel Production’s Brick Party fundraiser at Lincoln this month was a joyful occasion.

by Rick Winterson

Well over a hundred (100) guests at the recent Medicine Wheel fundraiser decided to buy a brick to put in the stockings of their loved ones at Christmas. The occasion was the Medicine Wheel party at Lincoln, who provided varied pizzas baked in their (fittingly enough) brick pizza ovens.

These bricks will be used to pave the borders of the path that will traverse No Man’s Land next spring, as this small gem of a park is tied into the Dorchester Heights National Park. You too can

buy a brick that’ll bear your own name, or the name of a loved one, or a memorial sentiment – there’s plenty of time (and bricks) left.

There’s a backstory here, which we’ll briefly tell for those who are new to South Boston. Eighteen years ago, South Boston underwent a wrenching crisis – an epidemic of teen suicides, often drug related. Artist Michael Dowling met with a group of teenagers in a nondescript, weed-filled area in back of the High School. It was called “No

Man’s Land” by local residents. Michael and his young friends laid down a Celtic cross formed from rocks found along the beaches below. It was a memorial, and it resembled an ever-turning wheel.

It was eventually dubbed “Medicine Wheel” for the project’s healing powers.

The project itself meant converting No Man’s Land into an oasis of beauty – an urban retreat, more than just a park.

Powering forward to 2014, after donating No Man’s Land to the City, plans are now afoot to join it with the

Dorchester Heights Memorial via gates in the fence between the two areas.

They are to be connected by a brickbordered path: “Our Common Path”.

The bricks are engraved according to the wishes of each brick’s purchaser, who has three lines of 18 characters each to work with – plenty of room for a full name or a brief sentiment, perhaps even a 17-syllable haiku.

But back to the Brick Party on Tuesday evening, December 9 – much was made of (finally) being able to give someone a brick for Christmas. The torrential rains that evening just made everyone the merrier. One of the high points was the No Man’s Land video by Michael Indresano. Brick champion Barbara Loftus proudly announced the sale of 125 (and more) bricks.

Would you like a brick of your own?

Call 617-268-6700 or Google up Medicine Wheel Productions, click on “Contact Us”, and go to the box “Do you want to buy a brick?”

Thanks in advance.

Medicine Wheel Board member Barbara Loftus announces that 125 bricks have been sold for “Our Common Path”, while Board Chair Mark McGonagle applauds enthusiastically.

Deborah, Elaine, and Richard taking part in the Brick Party’s festivities.

Michael Dowling, Medicine Wheel’s Artistic Director, and Mark McGonagle, Board Chair, at their recent Brick Party.

Maureen, Anna (both of whom are Medicine Wheel Board members), Karen, and Richie enjoying the Medicine Wheel Brick Party.

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December 18, 2014

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Meet Addison Lin Little tyke wants Legos and pop-up books from Santa Claus

BY KEVIN DEVLIN

Addison is a happy, young boy who is eagerly awaiting Christmas and the arrival of Santa Claus.

He’s six years old, and in the first grade at the Orchard Gardens Pilot School, which is located in Roxbury. His favorite subject is math. “I like doing math,” he said. “I do my math homework every night.” His favorite colors are yellow, black, and blue, and his favorite food is macaroni and cheese.

In his spare time, Addison watches Tom and Jerry cartoons on TV or plays with his IPad.

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He plays soccer at a park near his house with his two brothers, Brian and Weilian. “I like kicking the ball,” he said. “I like running around on the grass and being with my brothers. It’s

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At the Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center, Addison likes to play video games with his friends. He uses the computer and enjoys interacting with

the friendly staff members. He loves to read and does so every day. The last book he read was “The Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert.

The Leaf Man is about a man made of leaves. He blows away and travels where the wind takes him, showing grand natural surroundings and sparking the imagination of children.

Addison is gearing up for Christmas. Excitement could be seen dancing all over his face. He hopes that Santa Claus brings him LEGO toys and pop-up books.

“I like getting presents and toys,” he said. “I’ve been good so Santa should be good to me.”

And I think Santa will be good to him.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

SBYHL This Week.

PeeWee As: The Pee Wee A’s played a great game against undefeated Newton on Saturday. Jack Matthews picked up a hat trick and John Joseph notched a goal, but Newton scored a pair of last minute goals giving them the W over Southie 6-4.

Squirt As: The Squirt As extended their winning streak to 11 on Saturday, in the first game of a double-header weekend. They beat Agawam 3-1 in Charlestown.

Dillon and Matthew Reedy each scored a goal, as did Deven Dunlap. Ryan Goodine had two assists, along with one from Patrick Harnan. Great job in net by Aidan Fitzgerald!

On Sunday they won again, beating the Tri-Valley Outlaws 7-1 in Burlington. David Pittman, Thomas Harnan, and Ethan Long played outstanding defense! John Gilmartin, Dillon Reedy and Patrick Harnan each scored a pair of goals, along with one from Eddie Smith. Matthew Reedy recorded three assists and Ryan Goodine two, while Patrick Harnan and Eddie Smith were both credited with one.

Squirt Bs: The Squirt Bs were able to grab a W at the Murphy Rink on Saturday morning vs. Wellesley. Jerry O’Neil and Sean Feetham each scored a goal and Terry Markos notched his first shut out of the season!

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December 18, 2014

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Mighty Max Mercer Youngster works hard in school and enjoys sports

BY KEVIN DEVLIN

He’s a polite boy who is working hard in school and having fun in the world of sports. Someday he’d like to be a professional lacrosse player, but if that doesn’t pan out, he’d gladly go into the trades and build a business for himself and his mom. His name is Max Mercer.

Max, 12, is the son of Cynthia Mercer. He also has two cats. One is all black and named Giddy, while the other cat, white and gray colored, is named Ganache.

Max is in the sixth grade and attends the Advent School which is located in Beacon Hill. The school believes that “…Teaching children within a meaningful historical, cultural, or environmental context builds confident students who seek out connections within their learning.”

Max is a busy boy. On Thursday nights, from 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., he has his own radio show.

His DJ handle is “DJSNAP” and he loves it. He spins popular music and talks about a variety of topics, including sports. He does this as a member of a local organization for kids called ZUMIX. It is an East Boston-based nonprofit organization hoping to empower youths to use music and the arts to enjoy life and make a difference in the world.

During the summer, Max races for eight weeks at the Sandy Bay Yacht Club in Rockport. He sails on

an Optimist. It is a small, singlehanded sailing dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of fifteen. And he enjoys every minute of it.

“I like being on the ocean,” he said.

“I love the wind blowing everywhere. My dad was a sailor too.”

Max has been playing basketball in the Gate of Heaven CYO basketball program for four years. He’s currently on the Jack McDonough Club in the cadet house league.

“I like the game,” he said. “Run-

ning up and down the court, back and forth…there’s always action.”

Our energetic lad has played in the South Boston Youth Lacrosse League for four seasons and has played soccer since he was four years old. His favorite pro athlete is soccer goalkeeper, Tim Howard, who plays for the English club Everton and for the United States national team. Max enjoys both sports because their fast-paced like hoop and you have to hone different skills for each sport, respectively.

Max’s mom is proud of his dedication to his schoolwork and the competitive zeal he brings onto the playing fields.

“He’s an excellent student,” said his mom. “He works hard in school.

He has a competitive nature in school and sports. He keeps busy with both.

“Max is an extremely thoughtful person,” she added. “I say it not because I’m his mother but because everyone else tells me that.

He likes to include everyone in the group. He’s kind and caring.”

12

December 18, 2014

WWW.SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

South Boston Catholic Academy News In the true spirit of Christmas, South Boston Catholic Academy Extended Day Program, entered the 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Contest to benefit Toys for Tots, Sponsored by the South Boston Artist Association.

In order to participate, each child had to bring an unwrapped gift that was added to the toy donation. For two weeks the

T

H

I

children (around 12 of them) met after doing their homework and created a beautiful, festive Gingerbread School that represented South Boston Catholic Academy.

They decorated with frosting, candies, fruit roll ups, the roof looked wintery with a nonpareils covering. There was even a candy cane fence surrounding the marshmallow snow covered front

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yard. During this fun activity, there was more candy eaten than put on the roof or building.

When asked about the possibility of winning 1st place prize, all the children said, “It doesn’t matter if we win----we all had so much fun making it”. Now isn’t that the right spirit??

We did win “Fan Favorite”--What more could we ask for!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

South Boston Catholic Academy (www.sbcatholicacademy. org) is currently accepting applications for all classes PreSchoolGrade 6. Please contact; Mrs. Barbara Keohane with any questions or for a tour of the School at (b.keohane@sbcatholicacademy.org or phone 617-268-2326 for more

WWW.SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

December 18, 2014

13

Religious Education News The children in Grade 2 in the St. Brigid, Gate of Heaven and St. Monica-St. Augustine Religious Education Program

recently had a Parent Meet and Greet on Sunday morning. They performed four bible story skits: Daniel and the Lion’s Den, The

Lost Sheep, The Good Samaritan and David and Goliath.

All the children took part and were excited to perform for their

parents, grandparents and families.

Great job Grade 2!

City Councilor-at-Large Welcomes Son

On Tuesday, December 9, Boston City Councilor-at-Large Michelle Wu and her husband, Conor Pewarski, became parents to a boy they have named Blaise Francis Pewarski. It is their first child; Blaise arrived on his exact due date. His vital stats are seven pounds, 13 ounces; he’s 20 inches long. Both Blaise and Michelle are doing fine.

Congratulations, Councilor Wu. It’s a highly symbolic time of year to have a boy-child.

14

December 18, 2014

WWW.SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Dolley Carlson, Author and South Bostonian, Pays Us a Visit Author Dolley Carlson has come home from the West Coast for the past several years to take part in the Laboure House Tours. This year, she also visited to sign her recently published novel “The Red Coat” – she had a doubly joyous visit, therefore.

by Rick Winterson

Despite that old saying, you can most certainly tell Dolley Carlson’s recently published book by its cover. It’s clearly entitled “The Red Coat: A Novel of Boston”; there’s little or no doubt what it’s about. Furthermore, the watercolor on the front cover is by noted Southie artist Dan McCole. It shows a young woman in a red coat walking into the Public Garden, headed towards the statue of George Washington and Beacon Hill. The spire of the Park Street Church is in the distance. The young

woman is in low- heeled practical shoes; oddly enough, she isn’t wearing a hat.

She’s on her way to work somewhere.

Enough said. An excerpted comment on the blurb that accompanies Dolley’s book states, “Dolley Carlson holds her vivid characters with compassionate regard ... Unafraid to render the shadows of this Boston world … it is a graced world, offering with many cups

of tea, also hope.” (Mary Rakow, PhD, author of “The Memory Room”) The red coat of the title (a hand-medown to be given away to charity) is requested by Norah King from her wealthy Beacon Hill employer, Caroline Parker. This coat sets off – one might say “ignites” – a series of unexpected events between the King and Parker families. Both families are proud and

high-spirited in their own ways: The determined Irish King sisters of South Boston; the elegant Parker family Brahmins of Beacon Hill.

Author Dolley Carlson is a thirdgeneration Irish-American and was originally a South Boston lady herself, via Pilsudski Way in Old Colony. For a time, she attended St. Augustine School. Her father, Officer Dolley of the BPD, brought the family to the West Coast after being stationed there during World War II, but Dolley never forgot her roots. There’s a Dorchester/ Savin Hill root as well. Dolley is related to Mayor Marty Walsh by marriage; this root traces its way back to the village of Carna in Connemara, County Galway.

Consider putting “The Red Coat” on your reading list. It’s quite an enjoyable read. Log onto www.the redcoatboston.com. You can also obtain a copy (with signature) from Amazon.

Families of South Boston Youth Lacrosse, For the past six years, the league that we are a part of (Mass Bay Youth Lacrosse League) has offered a Select League to those programs who have enough athletes at the U15 and U13 levels who are serious about lacrosse, committed to lacrosse as his primary spring sport, and looking to experience a higher level of the game through fiercer competition, standings, and playoffs.

South Boston Youth Lacrosse would like to be a part of this

exciting program and offer our athletes the opportunity to play at this higher level. We have set up an informational meeting for all U13 and U15 families to introduce the coaches and administrators who would be running this “Select” element, to provide all the details (including costs, scheduling, expectations, and other important details), and to answer any questions or concerns you may have. The meeting will be held on Monday December

Help Wanted Checker/Fresh Receiver at Local Seafood Company Stavis Seafoods, Inc., a leading seafood importer, distributor and marketer of premium quality branded seafood in Boston has a position open-Checker/Fresh Receiver This position manages traffic flow on the front dock and checks orders for accuracy and file orders at the front Checks regularly at the order desk for new orders to file. Performs duties per Stavis HACCP procedures and SSOP Interacts with Fresh and Frozen Inventory and Shipping Coordinator and Managers Requirements for this position: Must have seafood experience; Be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs; Be able to drive a fork truck; Be able to count accurately; Be able to stand for 8-10 hours a day in an extremely cold environment; Proficient in written and spoken English Please send your resume to hr@stavis.com.

22 from 6:30pm-8:00pm at the Curly Recreation Center/L St. Bathhouse, use the M St. entrance and we will be using the senior center room.

Here are some initial basic facts about this opportunity: 1.

U13 is all current 5th and 6th graders. U15 is all current 7th and 8th graders. We would put in 1-U13 team and 1-U15 team.

2.

To be on the Select Team, the athlete would be required to play for South Boston Youth Lacrosse and commit to all regular practices and Sunday “Classic” games.

3.

There would be an additional 7 “Select” games taking place during our regular season.

4.

Games would either be on Friday nights or Saturday mornings/afternoons.

5.

The scores will count, the records will appear in the league standings, and there would be a single elimination playoff bracket at the end of the season.

6.

We would be combining our athlete pool with Charlestown Youth Lacrosse and possibly accepting a few athletes from other programs within the Boston city limits and we’d be calling

ourselves “Boston Select.”

7.

In 2014, 55 out of 112 programs that make up MBYLL took part in Mass Bay Select.

There were over 100 select teams .

8.

In 2015, there could be as many as 75 select programs in the league with over 150 teams playing “Select” Lacrosse.

9.

There would be an additional cost to participate (beyond the fees you pay for the “Classic” Sunday league) based off of team registration fees, a Boston Select uniform, and trainers that would be shaping our practices and coaching our games.

10. We feel very strongly that not only could we get a Boston Select up-and-running for the 2015 season, but that there is enough talent and work ethic in these programs to compete, have a winning select record, and make a serious run at the D2 Championship.

This really is a remarkable opportunity for the athletes, for the program, and for the city of Boston and we welcome your initial feedback and hope to have all of you attend a meeting in person to further discuss the details.

WWW.SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

15

December 18, 2014

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS BUYER 1 (First) BUYER 1 (Last)

BUYER 2 (First) BUYER 2 (Last) ADDRESS

CITY

ZIP

Jenny Paula C

Thuy Antonio

Phan Alves

Clinton A

Walker

Ashley

Coon

Pauline

Nguyen

Brandan Flewelling R

Fitzpatrick Wilson

Shruti

Dabhade

Elizabeth M

Wood

Dorchester Dorchester Dorchester Dorchester South Boston South Boston South Boston South Boston South Boston Dorchester Dorchester Dorchester Dorchester Dorchester Dorchester South Boston South Boston South Boston South Boston South Boston South Boston Boston South Boston Dorchester

02122-1429 02121-4010 02122-2456 02121-2251 02127-4315 02127-3064 02127-2813 02127-3936 02127-2546 02125-2601 02122-1229 02125-1257 02125-1722 02122-2306 02125-1056 02127-2636 02127-1053 02127-3160 02127-1542 02127-2318 02127-1511 02125-1218 02127-1230 02125-1317

Jill S Thomas F Andrew M Matthew Matthew Kelly Quincy Andrea Sheila Katharine A John R Vicente Mihur S Maria T Joseph Matthew J Samantha H Gary Brian

Phan Alves Java Investments LLC Longden Realty LLC Walker Broderick Spring Robinson Horivtz Living Stream Inc Mccann Chan Marks Reardon Hutt Tunney Fernandez Deshpande Smith Albanese Wood Todd Conboy Nelson

22 Charles St 35 Mclellan St 37 Daly St 70 Brookledge St 759 E 7th St #1 56 Baxter St 12 Grimes St 48 Telegraph St #2 128 W 9th St #B 159 E Cottage St #1 87 Dix St #3 190 Sydney St #A 12 Dawes St #1 48 Coffey St #4B 320 Savin Hill Ave #2 235 Gold St #3 150 Dorchester Ave #107 153 L St #3 184 K St #2 653 E 3rd St #3 49 L St #1 926 Dorchester Ave #1 345 D St #8 995 Dorchester Ave #1

PRICE

DATE

350000 469000 621000 575000 508000 625000 502100 430000 265000 430000 365000 320000 320000 216000 349000 629000 589000 449000 941000 370000 640000 390000 585000 337000

11/26/14 11/26/14 11/25/14 11/26/14 11/25/14 11/25/14 11/25/14 11/24/14 11/25/14 11/24/14 11/25/14 11/24/14 11/28/14 11/25/14 11/26/14 11/25/14 11/25/14 11/25/14 11/25/14 11/24/14 11/24/14 11/25/14 11/25/14 11/26/14

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CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR RESIGNATION OF A GUARDIAN OF AN INCAPACITATED PERSON

Docket No. SU10P1643GD Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court In the Interests of: Mildred C. Cowley Of: Amesbury, MA

RESPONDENT Incapacitated Person/Protected Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Sara Spooner of Boston, MA In the above captioned matter requesting that the court: Accept the Resignation of the Guardian The petition asks the court to make a determination that the Guardian and/or Conservator should be allowed to resign; or should be removed for good cause; or that the Guardian and/or Conservator is no longer necessary and therefore should be terminated. The original petition is on file with the court.

You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 12/26/2014. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date.

IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense.

WITNESS, Hon. Joan P Armstrong, First Justice of this Court.

CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN FOR INCAPACITATED PERSON PURSUANT TO G.L. c. 190B, §5-304 In the matter of: Mildred Crowley Of: South Boston, MA RESPONDENT Alleged Incapacitated Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation of South Boston, MA In the above captioned matter alleging that Mildred Cowley is in need of a Guardian and requesting that Velma Brinson of Mattapan, MA (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Guardian to serve Without Surety on the bond.

Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA, 02114 The petition asks the court to determine that the respondent is incapacitated, that the appointment of a Guardian is necessary, and that the proposed Guardian is appropriate. The petition is on file with this court and may contain a request for certain specific authority.

You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 12/26/2014. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date.

IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense.

WITNESS, Hon. Joan P Armstrong, First Justice of this Court.

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