SBOL_12_15_2022

Annissa Essaibi George A New Opportunity for Service

By Carol Masshardt

Endless passion, energy and focused commitment describe the new Executive Director of Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, former second place mayoral candidate in the City of Boston and City Counselor at Large for eight years and current small business owner, Annissa Essaibi George. Everything she does is about service and community with a well-honed leadership style that started in childhood when at twelve she had an eye on elected office in her future.

“The common thread in everything I do and have done is about service and creating community. Here at the Stitch House (the place of this interview on a cold Saturday night during a class in sweater making), we are about a community that is comfortable and where new things are possible,” she said.

Annissa re-creates herself with purpose every step of the way and is doing so again in her new role.

“Big Sister is a great fit. So, I lost the mayors race and had to think about how I could use my time for impact. Just be chance, this opportunity came about, and I thought that it would be a great place to use what I have learned. The goal is helping girls develop their own voice and ignite their passions. This is something I have been able to do,” she said.

As quickly as she knits beautiful pieces with hand and head spinning precision, she also cites statistics that only two percent of philanthropy is devoted to girl specific programs, and the dramatic loss of a girl’s sense of herself as “brilliant” when compared to boys by age six. Her focus and familiarity of these and similar compelling datasets provide a glimpse into the effectiveness she is bound to bring to the role she began two weeks ago.

‘Be Like Finnbar!’

Finnbar Starosky (holding the proclamation) is surrounded by his family (brother Declan and parents Greg and Mary), and City Council President Ed Flynn.

South Boston Youth Recognized for his Good Works

By Ginger DeShaney

Finnbar Starosky is a community leader … and he’s only 12 years old.

“I always want to help out

my community,” he said. “It feels nice to do that and it feels like I’m actively participating.”

For his good heart, civicmindedness, and determination to do good things in this world, Finnbar was recognized at the Andrew Square Civic Association holiday party Monday night at the Polish Club.

Shop Locally, Please

Now that Christmas Day is drawing near, South Boston Online would like to suggest that you consider doing the rest of your Christmas shopping locally. There are several reasons for this. One of them is that there are only ten (yes, only 10) shopping days left before Christmas arrives on December 25. And deliveries from locations outside of South Boston may be a problem, especially over this weekend if the incoming winter weather behaves as predicted.

And however else you feel about local Christmas shopping, doing it here in South Boston is certainly more convenient. South Boston is a compact

neighborhood; all of its stores are located within a mile or two of each other. We frequently joke about the scarcity of parking in South Boston, but try parking to shop in Boston’s Downtown area, or in the South End, or anywhere in Cambridge. And obviously, you can altogether forget about parking in the North End or along Newbury Street. But there is a much more important reason for shopping in South Boston. It supports and rewards our local businesses for their services all year long. Many of these businesses make generous contributions to South Boston’s community organizations. Furthermore, buying from businesses in our

South Boston neighborhood is a gratifying, tangible way to say “Thank You”. After all, it’s only been 22 days since Thanksgiving. Shopping in South Boston can be an enjoyable Christmas miniadventure. Meet friends for lunch during one of the shopping days that are still left. Get together with your children after school lets out for the day and treat them to something sweet. Stop into your local tavern (Christmas packages in hand) and enjoy a drink while you watch one pf our sports teams at work. Driving long distances in the snow is a pain. Short walks to shop locally while it’s snowing can be a real joy. And please be sure to have a Merry Christmas.

Gate of Heaven & St. Brigid Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel

2022 Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th

4:00PM Mass at St. Brigid Church, 4:00PM Mass at Gate of Heaven Church (Children’s Pageant)

4:30PM Mass at St. Augustine Chapel

9:00PM - Gate of Heaven Church

Christmas Day Sunday, December 25th

8AM Mass – St. Brigid Church

9AM Mass – Gate of Heaven Church

10:30AM Mass – St. Brigid Church

NO 12 Noon or 6PM Mass on Christmas Day Monday, December 26th

No Masses on December 26th. The Parish Office will be closed.

Two Trees – Is This a Christmas Contest?

Two very tall Christmas trees were lit up two weekends ago in Boston. One is located on the Boston Common, near Tremont Street and with the State House to its rear. This is a tree sent to us every year from Nova Scotia, to thank us for the assistance we rendered to them after a hideous explosion in Halifax early in the 20th Century. The other tree is a true evergreen giant erected in South Boston Seaport District – Boston’s largest development ever.

Certainly, Boston Common has been extremely historic, from Day One of the Puritans’ landing in 1630. And the State House is likewise historic –Samuel Adams and Paul Revere placed its ceremonial cornerstone when its construction began back in the 1790s.

But the Seaport Tree is larger – 54 feet tall compared to the Boston Common Tree at 45 feet. We admit this is only a personal preference. However, we prefer the lighting on the Seaport Tree, which gives it a much greener color. After all, both Trees are called “evergreens”, aren’t they?

Seaport Christmas Tree lights up the Seaport Green.

Boston Common Christmas Tree on Tremont Street.

Continued from Page 1

Annissa Essaibi George

“The model of one person who can share time with you, truly, is something spectacular,” she said. “You need to have a dynamic in your life at every step where there is someone you can learn with, it is mutual, and that leads to taking risks and seeing opportunities.”

Annissa Essaibi George is the enactment of courage in the face of challenge that started generations ago; with a father from Tunisia to a mother born in a German labor camp, and both who developed capacities to provide for and secure education for their family of four. She has remarkable stories about her parents, who learned multiple languages, and her father, who went to work in facilities at BU so his children could attend and picked up degrees himself. Through eyes open, mind and heart engaged their oldest child continues this legacy.

“I try to teach my kids, (four boys) that you don’t have to win, but I’m not raising spectators. Through being uncomfortable, you learn, and the only way to learn hard things is by doing it,” she said. “I learned so much through teaching, it was a form of constituent services, and then on the council and running this business, and the campaign for mayor. I have had incredible opportunities.”

When asked if anyone can learn to knit, even with failed prior attempts, she as is typical, avoids a fluff feel-good response but is nonetheless encouraging.

“You know, sometimes it is about who teaches you, and it should be fun. It takes time, and here we have a place of doing it together and that is how to do it,” she said.

The teacher, politician, candidate, mother, executive speak in one voice born of deeply held values. Though she did not snag the mayor’s office she delights in the women who are holding office at every level.

“Sure, it is good for girls. They see that they can have a place, and nothing is out of reach. It’s good for boys, too, to see the world fairly as it is.”

So, what is in store for this remarkable woman who has already achieved great things personally and professionally?

“I am committed and so excited about my job at Big Sister

(and she again cites interesting statistics about the organization with confidence and pleasure.) Beyond that, who knows? You always have to be prepared for new opportunities and challenges. Service will lead.”

For now, her attention is with a knitting student, Immunologist, Jesica Jacobs, who while knitting a sweater talks about women in STEM fields, and Annissa Essaibi George is listening carefully while also responding seriously to my questions, eating dinner, chatting with drop in customers, and readying herself for holidays and week three of an exciting new job. This only begins her activities yet to come that evening. She has a way of listening to many things nearly simultaneous and

responding with impressive attunement.

I shared with her the oft stated impression that she never sleeps, and she quickly and jokingly responded, “I love to sleep,” and then started to share

the details of how she might fit that in in her joyfully engaged week ahead.

(Carol Masshardt can be reached at carolhardt@comcast.net)

Annissa Essaibi George with knitter/ immunologist , Jesica Jacobs

Continued from Page 1 ‘Be Like Finnbar!’

neighbors to … Be Like Finnbar!”

Councilor Flynn pointed out Finnbar’s outstanding citizenship and diligent work as a young resident of South Boston. “We recognize and applaud your active participation in the community,” he said, noting Finnbar’s neighborhood cleanup work and daffodil plantings.

wants to try and do good things.”

That recognition included the Good Citizenship Award from the ASCA and an official City Council Proclamation from City Council President Ed Flynn.

After noticing a rather large hole in the street, the South Boston resident and his family – mom Mary, dad Greg, and younger brother Declan – took action to get it fixed.

“The hole and underground issues are repaired, and all is safe in the neighborhood -- thanks to Finnbar,” ASCA president Linda Zablocki said. “Never underestimate the actions of a young person. We applaud Finnbar for his outstanding citizenship and encourage our

“We also commend your proactive efforts in identifying and notifying 311 about city issues such as small holes in the streets and the sidewalks … around Andrew Square,” the Councilor continued. “Thank you for your efforts. The hole and the underground issues have been resolved. We admire your sense of civic duty at a young age and you set an example for all neighborhoods and neighbors to follow.”

“It means a lot to me,” Finnbar said after the ceremony. “I’m super happy. It feels great to be recognized.”

The BC High seventh-grader called the proclamation from Councilor Flynn “extremely amazing” because not many people get an honor like that.

Finnbar’s dad, Greg, said, “We are extremely proud of him. He’s a very good kid. He has a really good heart. He’s very civic-minded. He’s in tune with the environment. He really

According to Pattie McCormick, vice president of the ASCA, “Finnbar is a kind and caring young man who at a young age realizes community. It gives me great comfort to know our future is in good hands, thanks to young people like Finnbar.” Finnbar has always been community-minded. “I would say I get it mostly from my parents. They’ve pushed me hard to do the right thing. But I do feel like some of it is natural. I just like to help.”

Greg credits Finnbar for leading the way for the family.

“I don’t know if we would be quite as involved if it wasn’t for him,” Greg said. “We love our community and want to do as much as we can, and we know that’s important to him. He wants to try and make the environment cleaner, more hospitable, make people happier. So I think he’s really led the charge for us.”

Shortly after a sinkhole formed in the South End, caused major damage, and swallowed a car, Finnbar noticed a rather large hole on Ward Street while riding his scooter. He went to his mom and told her she HAD to see the hole. It was urgent.

The whole family visited the site to

confirm the hole. “My initial thought was that it was a sinkhole,” Finnbar said. “I peered inside and it was kind of deep.”

He had watched videos about sinkholes and his mom had shown him a news article about the South End sinkhole, so he had that in the back of his mind.

The family sat down and decided the next steps. So Mary called 311 to report the hole.

“I was concerned for the buildings around; I saw the damage that can cause,” Finnbar said.

It was a lengthy process to fix the hole and Finnbar inquired every day to see if someone had checked on it. The hole was inspected by several agencies on how best to repair it. Finnbar and his family received communication from 311 that the case was closed.

In addition to taking part in the ASCA neighborhood cleanups and plantings, Finnbar and his brother painted rocks with inspirational messages and placed them in Andrew Square planters. Messages included “Never give up,” “Be yourself,” “Peace,” and “Hope.”

All those messages could describe this amazing young man.

Congratulations, Finnbar!

Deck 12 in Boston’s Seaport District Opens “APRÈS…@

Deck 12” on December 16

Beginning Friday, December 16, 2022, Deck 12 at YOTEL Boston in the Seaport District will transform their heated rooftop for the season with gondolas, chair lifts, and ski-themed Adirondack chairs, inviting one and all to APRÈS…@ Deck 12!

In addition to the colorful and holiday card-worthy decor, the indoor restaurant and outdoor rooftop will feature a special menu of fab fondues, craveable bites and seasonal libations served 12 stories high with a stunning city view. Plus, beginning in January 2023, APRÈS…@ Deck 12 will host monthly special events and live music.

While they may not be coming off the slopes, guests will enjoy the fun après Snowport, après work, après gym, or après bingeing their favorite show. Deck 12 is open for dinner Monday-Thursday 5pm to 10:30pm, Friday 5pm to 11:30pm, Sunday 5pm to 10:30pm and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Reservations for outdoor rooftop required.

Menu highlights include:

Butterscotch Fondue | fruits and berries, nuts and brittle, angel cake cubes.

4 Cheese Fondue | pretzels, salami, cauliflower, dried dates. Dark Chocolate & Pinot Noir Fondue | berries, fruits, marshmallows, cookies, churros. S’mores Dip | baked marshmallows, cookies and chocolate ganache.

Brie Tartlet | mini brie, dried fruit, hot jam, spicy maple syrup Fire Ball Hot Chocolate Bomb

| mini marshmallows, cocoa cinnamon. Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet | baked pasta and crumbled cheeseburger, with 4 cheese fondue sauce.

Mini Duck Pot Pie | confit duck, winter vegetables.

Housed 12 stories up with a stunning city view, Deck 12 is a full-service restaurant featuring a year-round outdoor rooftop, intimate dining room and bar in the heart of Boston’s Seaport District. A lively destination for locals and visitors alike for drinks, dinner, and weekend brunch, Deck 12 serves an eclectic chefdriven menu of seasonal dishes, a wide selection of wines, craft cocktails and local beers.

Deck 12 is located at YOTEL Boston, 65 Seaport Boulevard in Boston, MA within a fiveminute walk of the MBTA Silver Line. Valet and garage parking is available for a charge. Deck 12 is open for dinner Monday – Thursday 5pm to 10:30pm, Friday 5pm to 11:30pm, Sunday 5pm to-10:30pm and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10amto 3pm.

Kickoff for Kids Gives Back to Community with Fun Family Event

By Ginger DeShaney

Bowling and Santa … it just doesn’t get any better than that during the holidays!

Families converged on South Boston Candlepin Sunday afternoon for Kickoff for Kids’ free Bowling with Santa event.

“We wanted to do something as a thank you to the community,” said Allison Baker, Kickoff for Kids’ founder.

The event, which was open to whoever wanted to attend, included

bowling, pizza, pictures with Santa, goodie bags (with a Christmas plush toy and some candy), ice cream, and a whole lot of fun.

It was a thank you for the support the community has given Allison’s nonprofit.

Meagan Frenette heard about the event through the South Boston Moms’ Club.

“We love family-centered events around Southie,” she said as she watched her kids having a blast.

Jaqueline Beggan, a Kickoff for Kids board member and the official Santa photographer for

the event, said, “I like that we can give back to the community. It’s good to be able to see everyone come to the event. Everyone has smiles on their faces.”

The Kickoff for Kids board is very active. “We work our 9-5s and then we work 5-10 after that,” Jacqueline said.

The board is always thinking about – and hosting – events, having meetings, organizing and running leagues and tournaments, and, this time of year, shopping for its toy distributions (which will take place right before Boston

Public Schools’ holiday break).

Kickoff for Kids hosts an annual women’s flag football fundraising tournament and just this year started a Friday night flag football league for kids. Funds raised from the tournaments and the league allow the nonprofit to host events such as Sunday’s Bowling with Santa.

“It’s great to see everyone come together,” said board member Ashley Coughlin.

Added board member Haley Dillon, “It’s an awesome event the community deserves to have.”

Kickoff for Kids Continued

Local Christmas Art

The next time you are near Our Lady of Czestochowa Church at the corner of Fr. Songin Way and Dorchester Avenue, stop and take a look at the Church’s façade. There are two works of art there. One of them is a Christmas painting of the Star of Bethlehem shining brightly over that little town. It is set in Church’s creche; the landscape is suffused with serene shades of blue. The other work of art is a carefully crafted Madonna and Child created in the medieval Polish manner, mounted in the roof angle. There are classic hues of blue and salmon pink on their clothes, dusky skin tones, and highly ornate haloes. Both pieces are worth a long look. And both are in South Boston.

SOUTH BOSTON FOUNDATION NOW ACCEPTING PROPOSALS

The South Boston Foundation is a not-for-profit Trust formed in 2019 to administer a generous $1.5 million commitment from Massachusetts Port Authority, over 10 years, to the South Boston Community youth educational, fitness, wellness and athletic programs in South Boston.

Grants will be awarded to organizations that comply with all submission procedures and granted on the basis of available funds. To be eligible to apply, one must be an agency or organization located in South Boston with a focus on youth educational, fitness, wellness or athletic programs in South Boston.

Applications are available beginning January 1, 2023 on the website: SouthBostonFoundation.com. Applications must be complete and submitted on or before January 31, 2023 and decisions will be made February 28, 2023.

Peace Breakfast This Saturday

bring your children. Santa Claus will visit, and there’ll be toys given out. We have been assured that these gifts will be both desirable and top quality. That also applies to the breakfast that will be served. The 2022 Christmas Breakfast is a feast for all, and (of course) it’s free to all – blessedly free. You’ll be interested to know that the Christmas Breakfast is sponsored by South Boston’s Station C-6 of the BPD (the Boston Police Department). The

Police Officers from Station C-6 volunteer to put this on, along with many volunteers from the St. Monica Church. As far as we know, Station C-6 is the only BPD stationhouse in all of Boston to do something like this. Join us. You’ll see many of your friends, and you’ll meet the volunteers in a delicious Christmas Breakfast. You can catch up on South Boston news and happenings. We’ll say it again – “Come one, come all; everyone is welcome!!!”

are cordially invited to attend and join in the enjoyment at the next Peace Breakfast, downstairs in the St. Monica Church Hall. This is a special Christmas Breakfast, which will take place this coming Saturday morning, December 17, from 9 until 11 a.m. Come one,

For those of you who are new to the St. Monica Church, it is located on the corner of Preble Street and Old Colony Avenue, directly across from the traffic circle. It’s just a five-minute walk from Andrew Square and the Red Line Station. We mentioned this was a Christmas Breakfast, so please

The bodacious, stocked pantry in St. Monica Hall.

St. Monica Church at Preble and Old Colony.

Celebrating the Mass of the Immaculate Conception

Thursday, December 8, 2022 was the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception and the 5th & some of the 6th graders participated at this Mass as Greeters, Readers and Brought the Gifts up to the Altar. They all did a great job!

Our South Boston Catholic Academy Children’s Choir sounded wonderful especially as they sang “God is a Part of My Life, I rejoice, I rejoice, I rejoice!

Father Christopher Boyle, our Parochial Vicar, was the celebrant at this Mass. All were welcome to come to this Mass.

At this Mass, Father Chris, spoke about how this Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception is the day we

honor the conception of Mary in her mother’s, St. Elizabeth’s, womb without original sin, in view of her future role as the Mother of Jesus. Father Chris, also spoke about the meaning of the four candles on the Advent Wreath and how last Sunday was the Third Sunday of Advent and we lit the pink/rose candle for Joy as we are getting closer to Christmas. As Catholics we are called in a special way to be JOYFUL anticipating the coming of Jesus at Christmas. This coming Sunday we will light the Fourth Advent candle and then the following Sunday we will light the Christmas Candle. “Jesus is the reason for the season”. Without Jesus, there would be no Christmas.

“The Wizard of OZ” at the Fourth

by Rick Winterson

On Saturday evening, a cast of 32 (yes, 32) young members of South Boston’s Fourth Presbyterian Church performed their version of “The Wizard of OZ”. The presentation lasted just over an hour and it was hugely enjoyable. An enthusiastic SRO audience turned out to see it; they applauded every song and scene. You’re familiar with much of The Wizard of OZ - Dorothy’s house in Kansas is blown away by a tornado into the Land of OZ. She (and her dog Toto) must find the Wizard in order to get back home again. She’s aided in her search by the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, while the Wicked Witch of the West tries to cut Dorothy off. They pass through forests, sleepy poppy fields, and despite the Witch, finally arrive in the magical city. Needless to say, there is a happy ending to OZ.

The Fourth’s production of OZ had many songs. You know of “Somewhere, Over the Rainbow”, which was sung by Judy Garland in the original OZ movie. The young actors at the Fourth sang their own achingly beautiful version of “Rainbow”. You’ll also remember the spritely “We’re off to See the Wizard”. The OZ cast sang this while skipping up and down the aisles of the Fourth Church to mark

each transition and scene change. An ongoing accompaniment on piano keyboard highlighted every movement the cast made. It was all this writer could do to keep from singing and skipping along with them. And the Finale brought down the house. The music, the characters, and the whole cast’s lively movements (anchored by Toto) were really delightful to see and hear – the entire performance simply flew by.

In 1900, author L. Frank Baum published the first OZ book, “The Wonderful Wizard of OZ”, which he followed up with 13 more OZ stories and countless other books and plays – most of them for children. And as a bit of OZ trivia, it was Frank Morgan who played the Wizard in the 1939 OZ movie that starred Judy Garland. He was the one who loudly uttered that iconic line, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!”

It’s only fitting to give full credit to those who did so much work “behind the scenes” in support of The Wizard of OZ. The OZ Director, and the cast’s accompanist on piano keyboard, was the Rev. Burns Stanfield. He is an extremely talented musician on multiple instruments and was for several years a successful professional musician. He also (along with Choreographer Rene Martin) directed the OZ production. Burns is the Pastor of South Boston’s Fourth Presbyterian Church and teaches at the Harvard Divinity School as well. Costumes for the 32 cast members of The Wizard of OZ were designed and sewn by their parents, whose efforts earned them an emphatic “Thank you!” The set design and the many, many props were provided by Janine Warrington and the young performers themselves. We’ve mentioned the choreography of Rene Martin –

those kids really moved! Stage hands, without whom nothing can happen(!), included Lucy Guerrouxo-Conrad, Michele Verani, Maureen Fitzgerald, Sarah Cooper, Alex McEachern, and Kristina Ings. Perhaps most exciting was the way the kids sang – despite their young age, they hit every note perfectly, which was a very well-deserved tribute to Voice Coach Alison Slade. She was a true Wizard!

With the Holidays here, you might be interested in attending the Fourth Church’s Christmas activities:

On December 17, gingerbread house-making at 10 a.m. Also December 17, a Christmas concert at 4 p.m.

On December 18, a kids’ party after Sunday service.

On December 24, a Christmas Eve service and pageant at 7 p.m.

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. December 08, 2022 Date:

Felix D Arroyo, Register of Probate

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 01/19/2023 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. PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE

BPHC and BCYF Launching Holiday COVID-19 and Flu Clinic in South Boston

BCYF Condon Community Center, 200 D St., South Boston Tuesday, December 27 from 4:30-7:30pm.

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today announced the opening of a free pop-up COVID-19 clinic in South Boston in partnership with the Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) to help residents stay healthy this holiday season. The clinic is in addition to the multiple new standing clinics that BPHC will continue to operate into the new year. COVID-19 testing, vaccines, boosters, and flu shots will be available for residents ages 6-months and older at all the new sites. All sites are free and do not require appointments, ID, or insurance. At-home COVID19 testing kits will also be distributed to those who attend. The free Healthy for the Holidays walk-in clinics hosted by BPHC and BCYF, will be held at the following locations:

IMPORTANT NOTICE A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

UNSUPERVISED