SBOL 12/18/19

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74

The True Magic Behind Santa’s Magic By: Tara Kerrigan Hayes

Please Donate to the Chelsea Soldiers Home

F

or the last three decades a North Shore man has been gearing up annually to don his Santa Suit, rally his devoted elves, and deliver both gifts and cheer to strangers each Christmas day, but the real magic is what’s happening on the days between.

It began in 1982 when Jim Nentwig went to visit his terminally ill wife, Elizabeth, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, along with their three sons and a friend dressed as Santa, to ensure her last Christmas would be a special one.

Then Jim did what Jim seems to do best – he thought of others - and decided they should also visit the neighboring patients with presents and fellowship, so that no one would feel alone on Christmas day. It was in that inherent spirit of kindness that Santa’s Magic was born.

Over the years, the team of Santa’s Magic would grow and their mission

Elderly Vet with Santa would organically evolve to spread cheer not only to hospital patients, but also to aging veterans, the homeless, and families of our armed forces serving overseas. The concept was simple – to brighten the holidays with visits and gifts - but the ripple effect would spread wider and run deeper than Jim had ever intended, bringing as much joy to those who give as to those who get.

For 99 year-old Mildred Justo of Peabody, it’s quite literally given her a

reason to live. In earlier years, Mildred would knit the occasional afghan for a veteran, friend, or church raffle to pass the time. Then she discovered Santa’s Magic, revealing an entire new sense of purpose. “What used to be my hobby is now my salvation”, says Mildred, who is dedicated to completing a new afghan every two weeks to donate to veterans through Jim and his team. She believes she would no longer be here if it

The Thomas J. Fitzgerald VFW Post 561 , 715 East Fourth Street (behind the Stop & Shop) will be accepting Christmas donations for the veterans living at the Chelsea Soldiers Home on Saturday, December 21st between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Please consider donating hats, socks, scarves, toiletries, etc. The men and women who live there will be forever grateful.

Continued on Page 2

W

ishing Everyone

in our GREAT Community A Joyous & Meaningful Holiday Season, And a Bright & Happy New Year!

Your friends and neighbors at

massbaycu.org Easy!

(617) 269-2700

147 West 4th Street, South Boston 409 D Street, Seaport

Federally insured

by NCUA

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Continued from Page 1

Magic of Santa weren’t for her mission. “The knitting, it keeps my fingers moving, my eyes sharp, my memory keen. It gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning”.

Mildred, who will turn 100 in May, has already donated over 250 afghans to Santa’s Magic over the years.

Now a resident at Ledgewood Assisted Living in Beverly, Mildred gets busy knitting each morning in her room under a sign that reads, “MILDRED’S WORKSHOP. SERVING OUR MANY VETERANS”. The sign was given to her by none other than Jim himself, who makes it a point to visit Mildred every week. “She’s an example to all of us to never feel like we have nothing left to give, or to do”, says Jim. He also aspires to spread the charitable bug to our youth, recruiting students from the Brooks School in Andover and Higgins Junior High in Peabody to hand write holiday cards with warm sentiments to be distributed to a homeless shelter in Peabody.

Enclosed in each card is a $5 bill - a reminder to the kids of how something seemingly small, can mean so much.

The Christmas day crew of Santa’s Magic is now compromised of 10 Santas (including two of Jim’s sons) as well as their teams, with 3 additional Santas “on call” in the event any of the Santas wakes with so much as a sniffle on Christmas morning. In an unintentional testament to his own unyielding thoughtfulness, Jim casually mentions, “the last thing we want to do here is have anyone get sick because of what we are doing”.

What they are doing, essentially, is nurturing compassion and connecting communities by building an army of

Volunteer Group caring volunteers and contributors in an all out anti-loneliness campaign.

Accompanying the 10 Santas will be more than 100 elves, but Jim’s “elves” are not only the ones on the scene distributing gifts on Christmas day.

Over the course of three decades, the bounty shared by Santa’s Magic has expanded well beyond good tidings and afghans. From toys for kids, to clothing for the homeless, hundreds of poinsettias and more, some supporters of Santa’s Magic even provide holiday meals on Christmas day. The Danvers Yacht Club is one such partnership, whose people will be delivering a roast beef holiday dinner to a mother and her three children (who recently lost their father, unexpectedly).

Those children, like so many others, will receive gifts through the generosity of strangers, as in the parishioners of St. Paul’s in Wellesley, via their “Giving Tree”, which yields hundreds of presents every year for three decades to contribute towards the cause.

Continuing to honor the memory of his late wife, Jim Nentwig and his team at Santa’s Magic (including his wife, Elena) will bestow 1500 gifts upon the less fortunate this year alone, and

Mildred’s Workshop

impact the lives of many more, with the help of countless contributors, sponsors, suppliers and friends. And while Jim seeks no recognition or praise himself, he does seem to find insurmountable joy in sharing some of the many heartwarming stories of gratitude.

His voice turns tender with nostalgia as he relays one of his favorites.

“We received a letter of thanks from a woman whose father was in the Bedford VA during his last Christmas and received a visit by Santa with a special gift. He passed away that following February, but his daughter said that the gift became the family’s most cherished keepsake to this day, as a reminder of her dad, and the kindness of others”. He emits a soft Santa-like chuckle, like he knows a secret, and then continues. “It was one of Mildred’s hand knit afghans”.

Still, his source of pride seems less about the tangible gifts and more about the generosity of time. And as he talks about the lonely people who will be missing family this Christmas, he doesn’t realize he’s speaking directly to one of them. As someone who lost their mother last year, and is a mom to a young son with no other family

nearby, Jim’s poignant stories magically produces two new volunteer elves, and suddenly I know how we’re going to be spending our Christmas day.

At the close of our interview Jim asks me what initially sounds like a trick question, but the answer turns out to be indubitably simple. “Tell me”, he says, “how many people do you have to touch to make Christmas special”?

His answer: “Not very many”.

To learn more about Santa’s Magic, join the team, or to make a donation please visit http://www.santasmagic.org Santa’s Magic team attributes their good fortune to their many supporters (which can be viewed at the above website), but gives a special thanks to: Union Oyster House Boston Private Bank 47 Brands The Beverly Ipswich Knitters Senior Care of Gloucester

Caregivers Meet Santa

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

3

Holiday Spirit of Volunteerism

S

tate lawmakers representing the City of Boston volunteered at Cradles to Crayons to help provide clothing for children living in poverty. The Boston delegation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives volunteered in support of the organization’s goal to help 42,500 kids with warm, winter essentials in Massachusetts this year.

The elected leaders spent their time in the Cradles to Crayons “Shopping” station, filling customized orders of clothing, shoes, books, and more for local kids—some of them right in their own districts. They later sat down with Cradles to Crayons Founder

and CEO, Lynn Margherio, to talk about the hidden crisis of Clothing Insecurity and what that looks like for the one-in-two kids in Boston that live in low-income or homeless situations.

Cradles to Crayons has just finished year one of its Predictable Service Pilot, which concludes that providing at-risk children with clothing three times a year, and school supplies before the school year starts, reduces the number of children considered at-risk when reevaluated. Among the lawmakers who volunteered was 4th Suffolk District State Representative David Biele of South Boston.

From left to right: Pictured at Cradles to Crayons are State Representative Aaron Michlewitz; State Representative Kevin Honan; State Representative Chynah Tyler; Cradles to Crayons CEO and Founder Lynn Margherio; State Representative Michael Moran; State Representative David Biele.

News from the Greater Boston Food Bank (the GBFB)

L

ast week, South Boston Online published an article on The Greater Boston Food Bank (The GBFB).

See page 12 in our December 12 issue. Specifically, the article dealt with a fundraiser at Publico to benefit The GBFB, sponsored by a South Boston group that calls themselves the “Kitchen Cabinet” We are pleased to report that the GBFB has sent us a press

release stating that they had a record-breaking distribution of food in November. More than 5.5 million (5,500,000) meals were distributed. And all of these meals were healthy and nourishing – protein, produce, and dairy products (meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, milk, eggs, and cheese, to be more exact).

The GBFB and its affiliates distribute nutritious mea ls

Book Sale at the SB Library Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Do you have someone on your list that is difficult to buy for??

Give the gift of a book - coffee table books Priced at 2 for 1 - great conversation starters! Come and browse our wide selection of hardcovers, paperbacks, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks for adults and children, available at low, low prices. All book sale proceeds benefit the South Boston Branch Library and programs. Become more involved in the library by joining the Friends of the South Boston Library. Message us on Facebook or complete a simple form found at the Circulation desk at the Library, Friend us on Facebook: South Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library or Friends of the South Bos-ton Branch Library

year-round to nine counties in Massachusetts – Suffolk County (where the City of Boston is located), Barnstable, Bristol, Du ke s, E sse x, M idd le se x, Na nt uc ke t, Nor fol k, a nd Plymouth – all of Eastern Massachusetts, in other words.

In its efforts to make the eastern half of our state hunger free, The GBFB serves more than 140,000 people ever y single month.

The GBFB office is a near neighbor of ours, headquartered at 70 South Bay Avenue in the Newmarket commercial area just across the Expressway. After Giving Tuesday on December 3, the GBFB is hoping to set another record in December, and for all of 2019. Please keep them in mind for your Holiday donations.

Merr y Christma s.

4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

A “Merry Little Christmas Party”

by Rick Winterson

A

t 2 p.m. last Saturday afternoon, December 14, members and guests gathered at the Fitzgerald and Saunders Post (715 East Fourth Street) for a “Merry Little Christmas Party”. It was a really good time – no, make that a great (!) time. Frank Grover, costumed in red and green as one of Santa Claus’s elves, and a brightly lit Christmas tree anchored the enjoyment.

And being a Veterans’ Post, there was of course a mission involved. South Boston Online will quote from the

party’s flyer, which was entitled Merry Little Christmas Party: “The Post will be accepting Christmas donations for the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home – hats, socks, scarves, toiletries, etc. These veterans will be forever grateful.”

And it worked. In-kind donations lined the stage in the Post building.

Our elected officials were on hand. Post Commander Tom McCarthy emceed the brief speaking program. City Councilor Ed Flynn expressed his best wishes for everyone to have a Happy Holiday, as did State Rep. David Biele. Mayor Walsh sent Holiday greetings to the Post as well. In his remarks, the Hon. Raymond Flynn reminisced about the original South Boston families at the end of World War II, when there was “giving back” to veterans by grateful resident groups here.

A sumptuous buffet dinner followed. The writer especially enjoyed the large meatballs in tangy sauce, followed by a piece of chocolate Christmas cake, heaped high with decorated frosting.

Young Braeden, Joe Canavan, Ray and Cathy Flynn share a good time at the ”Merry Little Christmas Party” last Saturday.

An elfin Frank Grover entertains Post Commander Tom McCarthy and Bernie Trager at the Fitzgerald and Saunders Post.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

A table of the Fitzy Post’s party guests in front of that classic Iwo Jima scene. Note the donations to the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home in back.

State Representative David Biele Great time had by all.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

5

Veterans Continue to Support our Country in War and Peace

By Ray Flynn, Former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.

M

i l i t a r y veterans, political leaders a nd concerned community residents turned out at the Thomas Fitzgerald VFW Post in South Boston for a festive Christmas Party Gala to support needy children and veterans from the community. In addition to their financial donations, people brought essential items of clothing to wear during the cold winter months and gift cards to local stores.

A delicious Christmas dinner was served by Adrian Morrissey and her daughter Corey and Ellen McDonough, all loyal veteran supporters. Post Commander Tom McCarthy opened up the speaking program by welcoming everyone and thanking everyone for their support of our veterans. Past VFW Post Commander and Boston City Councillor Ed Flynn summed it up for all those present when he said, “We are indeed fortunate to live in a community where “Values and Faith” go hand and hand.

The goal of patriotic veterans is to not only serve our country in time of need overseas, but to help all Americans when we return home.”

Councillor Flynn also thanked Mayor Walsh, Congressman Lynch, Senator Collins, Representative Biele and Councillor Flaherty for their kind support for this special Christmas event, along with Legislative initiatives. Rep. David Biele echoed what Ed Flynn said, “We are lucky to represent such a caring and united community.”

“Yes, we are fortunate to celebrate this beautiful holy event, the birth of Christ, with family, friends and people who care for one another. But we also take the opportunity to thank all those who sacrificed and worked hard to keep our country and community safe and strong for our children and families.

That certainly includes our

veterans, police, firefighters, and all those who continue to work hard to raise and educate law abiding children. God, family and country is what continues to make America special and we must never forget that,” former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador Ray Flynn told the enthusiastic audience. “Every Christmas is special, but we must strive to make this holiday season even more meaningful, because our countr y is experiencing internal conf lict by people who don’t seem to share our same values and we must speak out and defend those sacred principles and values. Those values include respect for the rule of law, honest hard work and treating people with respect,” Flynn continued.

Distinguished U.S. Marine Corps Veteran snd City of Boston Public Works Commissioner Commissioner Joe Canavan rose from his seat and said for all to hear, “With those profound words from my school classmate of 12 years at both Gate of Heaven and South Boston High School, Mayor Flynn, I will excuse myself to attend the 4 o’clock Mass, and pray that the inspiring Christmas message that we just heard from the Mayor, will be lived up to by all of us here today. I wish

all of you a Merry Christmas.”

Many festivities and holiday parties will be take place over the next several days, including this Thursday at the popular Rosa Lyons Bar and Restaurant on Broadway to benefit “Toys

for Tots.” I only hope that whenever people leave these kinds of events, they will have the same Christmas joy and love that we all did after leaving the Thomas Fitzgerald VFW Post last Saturday afternoon.

From our Family to Yours, Wishing you a happy, safe, and joyful Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Paid for and authorized by the Friends of Ed Flynn

6

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Davio’s Opens in South Boston Seaport

By Rick Winterson

D

avio’s refers to itself as a “Northern Italian Steakhouse”, featuring signature regional Northern Italian steaks, veal chops, and handmade pasta creations.

Davio’s has earned its reputation for its haute cuisine centered

upon grilled offerings since the 1990s. Founded in Boston, its current locations extend to New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Irvine on the West Coast. And there is definitely a unique cuisine associated with Northern Italy.

Davio’s has now come to the South Boston Seaport. Their dinner offerings here in their Seaport location – 50 Liberty Drive - began on Monday, November 25. Lunch service began on the subsequent Monday, December 2; brunch was first served on Sunday, December 8.

Davio’s in the Seaport combines delightfully elegant Christmas Season dining with superb harbor views from many direction.

Just one segment of the magnificent harbor view from Davio’s dining room.

Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell and Frank Kelley Christmas Dinner will be served on Christmas Eve from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm St. Monica’s Parish Hall

(Old Colony Ave.and Prebble St.)

If you are unable to get out and would like a meal delivered to your home on Christmas Eve Day please call 617-368-0091

(Dinners will not be served on Christmas Day)

Hosted by: South Boston-Seaport Catholic Collaborative and the Elected Officials representing South Boston

Davio’s welcomes you this Christmas Season.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

H

Hanukkah Begins Sunday

anukkah begins this Su nd ay e v e n i n g , December 22. The celebration begins with prayer and song; everyone takes part. It is followed by lighting the first candle in the Menorah, using the shammash (also called the “server candle”).

The Menorah is a candelabrum that holds nine candles – eight of them plus the “server”. The

eight candles symbolize the Biblical story of the Maccabees.

After the Israelites, led by Judas Maccabee, drove their enemies from the Temple, the lamp that lit the Temple miraculously stayed burning for eight full days, even though there was only enough lamp oil for one day. Note the whimsical Menorah to the left, shaped like a train with the Server Candle placed in the stack of the locomotive.

Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season from your friends at City of Boston Credit Union!

617-635-4545 Cityofbostoncu.com

7

8

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

TEAM UP for Children Initiative Adds South Boston Community Health Center to its Pediatric Behavioral Health Program 1 in 4 children using Massachusetts federally-qualified health centers will benefit from important transformational model to better integrate behavioral health services

T

EAM UP for Children ( Tr a n s f o r m i n g a nd E x pa nd i n g Access to Mental Health Care in Urban Pediatrics), a model of integrated pediatric behavioral health care, recently expanded its program to four additional federally qualified health centers in Massachusetts. South Boston Community Health Center is excited to have been included in the expansion. TEAM UP seeks to improve early identification of behavioral health problems and provide a full complement of preventative and treatment services to children and their families.

In addition to South Boston Community Health Center, health centers joining the initiative include Brockton Neighborhood Hea lth Center, DotHouse Health, and Greater New Bedford Community Health Center. The expansion builds off the success and best practices developed since the launch of TEAM UP in 2016 by the initial cohort of three health centers, Codman Square Health Center, The Dimock Center and Lowell Community Health Center, each of which will continue as TEAM UP health centers under the expanded initiative.

Across the country, 1 out of 5 children experience a behavioral health issue, yet most children, nearly 80%, do not receive an adequate treatment. It can take 8 to 10 years to receive an accurate diagnosis of mental health conditions and initiate treatment in children, and delays in treatment over those vital years can lead to lasting impacts on development.

TEAM UP seeks to improve

access to pediatric mental health services and provide earlier care by integrating evidence-based behavioral health services into the primary care clinics of community health centers in Massachusetts.

Led by Boston Medical Center (BMC), the program is comprised of interdisciplinary teams of providers working together to promote positive child health and well-being. In addition to expanding access to care through the integration of behavioral health clinicians and community health workers or family partners, TEAM UP supports enhanced access to specialty care, including psychiatric consultation through BMC, and linkages to other community services, such as early intervention, to ensure high-risk children can access needed services.

“Achieving true parit y between physical and mental healthcare delivery in our society is something most of us agree is not only a priority, but also common sense. Despite progress made towards this goal, however, the reality is that these two healthcare systems still operate in many ways that are essentially siloed from one another: the left hand not always talking to the right. The back and forth between these worlds can be clunky and confusing, with long wait times for appointments or complicated insurance limitations. It’s the children and families we serve who all too often get lost in the process.” said Dr. Kevin Coughlin, Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist at South Boston Community Health Center. “Meeting children and families ‘where they are at,’ in this case by literally bringing mental and behavioral healthcare into the medical home that families are already accustomed to working with, is just common sense. The TEAM UP model provides an exciting and promising roadmap with funding support to get us closer to achieving parity for

our children’s physical, social, emotional, and behavioral health.”

“There is a tremendous need in Massachusetts and across the nation for better integration of behavioral health care into pediatric primary care clinics,” said Megan Bair-Merritt, MD, MSCE, TEAM UP evaluation Co-Director, and pediatrician at Boston Medical Center and professor of pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine.

“Through its evidence-informed approach and community health center partnerships, TEAM UP is able to build teams of health care providers that include community health workers and behavioral health clinicians, to ensure care and treatment is successful. This meaningful work will bring a new level of behavioral care to thousands of children using Massachusetts federally-qualified health centers, which is profound.”

Over the past three years, through an initial $8M investment by the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation, TEAM UP has made quality care possible for more than 19,000 children with plans to reach 21,000 more, representing 25% of the federallyqualified health center pediatric population by 2023. With the expansion of the program, made possible by $14 million in additional funding from the Smith Family Foundation and The Klarman Family Foundation, TEAM UP aims to train a total of 400 health center staff, double the number of trained therapists, and increase the number of communit y health workers

in TEAM UP health centers.

An on-going evaluation of TEAM UP’s efforts by Boston University School of Medicine researchers has shown that participating community health centers in the first cohort have greatly improved their capacity to provide integrated behavioral health care in their pediatric clinics. Teams work together —collaborating in the exam room during appointments with families — to identify and address children’s behavioral health needs, often connecting patients to evidence-based behavioral health services within the walls of the heath center. The impact of TEAM UP also extends outside of the health center to support families and serve as a liaison to schools and other behavioral health resources and social service providers, even before an official diagnosis has been made.

Additionally, TEAM UP has proven to be transformative for health centers’ internal operations, with evidence of greater satisfaction by medical providers and increased reimbursement to the health centers for services. A focus on continuous quality improvement has helped guide the health centers’ program management and refinement, and findings from Phase I will help shape program rollout at the newly added health centers. Through a collaborative, fa m i ly-c ent ric, d at a-d riven approach, TEAM UP will continue to improve access and advance the growing field of integrated behavioral health for children and families across Massachusetts.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season!

massport.com

9

10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Christmas Season at M

The lovely ladies of the bouncing castle - Anna and Elsa.

by Rick Winterson

T

he Mayor’s 24th Annual Enchanted Trolley Tour was actually many separate happenings, all condensed into one, joyous Christmas celebration.

On Sunday afternoon, December 8, the second Sunday of the Advent Season, a festive crowd gathered at the East Broadway entrance to M Street/Medal of Honor Park. Mayor Walsh arrived on the City of Boston’s Enchanted Trolley at 1 p.m., the massive Christmas tree-of-many-lights was lit up, Santa Claus visited to see what the children of South Boston wanted for Christmas, and there were rides, revelry, and refreshments for all to enjoy (and we certainly did!).

The Mayor expressed his love for Christmas and the Holiday Season.

He spoke of making holiday stops throughout Boston – a total of sixteen (16) of them all around the City during the weekend of December 6, 7, and 8. The Enchanted Trolley Tour celebration has become a Boston tradition for everyone to enjoy. After his remarks, the Mayor threw the switch to light the tree, and then introduced Santa Claus, who took over the children’s portion of this event, asking each young person what he or she wanted for Christmas.

If there was one specific feature of the Enchanted Trolley Tour that seemed the most popular, it was riding the Train from the North Pole.

Judging by the lines we saw, that was Number One. A bouncy castle, with Anna and Elsa as its attendants, also attracted many of the kids, as did a nonstop procession of rides on palomino and Shetland ponies, along with a petting zoo. Hot chocolate and sweet snacks rounded out the celebration.

The Mayor of Boston’s Enchanted Trolley Tour is sponsored

by Bank of America Massachusetts.

The Bank’s President, Miceal Chamberlain, was quoted as saying, “Bank of America is proud to continue our support of Mayor Walsh’s Enchanted Trolley Tour, a long-standing tradition that brings joy and excitement … across the City.”

Santa Claus asks two young kids, “What do you want for Christmas?”

Children enjoying an electric train ride at M Street Park.

The Magic Castle bouncing house at M Street Park.

Rides for the kids – on a palomino pony and a Shetland.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

11

Aquarium’s Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Exhibit Aquarium’s Indo-Pacific Coral Reef exhibit during winter school vacation

A

s the city prepares to celebrate the holidays and students delight in school vacation week, the New England Aquarium is a wonderful retreat from the cold especially to see the popular new exhibit, the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef, teeming with vibrant, bright tropical fish, or to get your hands wet while stroking the backs of sting rays and small sharks. It’s a wonderful way to learn about ocean conservation and all that the Aquarium does to research, protect, and care for marine life.

Just after Christmas and in preparation for First Night in the city, the Aquarium will also be the site of a giant ice sculpture by North Andover native Don Chapelle. Chiseled into ice this year will be a giant sea turtle measuring 16 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 7 feet tall. The sculpture’s

assembly begins – weather permitting - on the morning of December 26 at Central Wharf. Inspiration for this year’s sculpture comes from the Aquarium’s steadfast work to rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles that wash up on Cape Cod beaches during the cold weather months.

School vacation week begins Dec. 23 for most Massachusetts schools, and a popular getaway from the winter chill is the Aquarium, a place where families can see a huge array of extraordinary marine species, watch films on the largest screen in New England, and see sea turtles in the Giant Ocean Tank – two of whom were rescued and rehabilitated at the Aquarium.

Another crowd-pleasing favorite are the rockhopper and African penguins.

The Aquarium’s newest exhibit, the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef, is a 9,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling concave habitat depicting life in one of the most bustling ocean habitats. Its bright backdrop allows visitors to th

learn about these “rainforests of the sea” that are key to supporting thousands of species of fish, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine life.

The Aquarium is one of only three aquariums in the U.S. where visitors can see northern fur seals, a vulnerable species that is seeing its population in decline. The Aquarium has fur seals and the California sea lions which have done well in coming back from extinction. Families will enjoy seeing the animals dart through the water in the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center.

At the Trust Family Foundation

Shark and Ray Touch Tank, visitors can see and touch small sharks and a variety of rays as they glide through the mangrove-designed tank. Visitors can also see two giant Pacific octopus, one of the largest of all octopus species, which have a talent for camouflaging themselves.

On weekdays, the Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

On New Year’s Day, the Aquarium will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Aquarium will be closed on Christmas Day. For more information or tickets, call 617-973-5200.

Happy holidays!

Warm wishes for the season, from our house to yours.

DAVID M. GIBBONS

@MassConvention

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

/MassConvention massconvention.com

12

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

SBCA News “Here We Come A-Caroling”

South Boston Catholic Academy students have been celebrating the season of Advent in their classrooms and at Morning Prayer. Our children have made Advent wreaths and lit the candles while discussing the meaning of Advent.

Students, families, faculty and staff

celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 9, 2019 with a Mass at St. Brigid Church at which Father Karlo Hocurscak, our Parochial Vicar, was the celebrated, the Children’s Choir led us in the singing and our 5th Graders participated in

as Greeters, Readers and Bringing the Gifts up to the Altar. They all did a great job participating at this Mass.

On December 12, students in K2-6 held their Christmas Concert “Here We Come A-Caroling”. Thank you to our wonderfully talented students, parents,

families, faculty and staff. Thanks to everyone who made our K2-6 Christmas Concert such a big success, especially our music director, Ms. Eleanor Tynan and our art teacher, Ms. Valeri Szmurlo and her art students for the terrific job of decorating the front of the stage.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

2019 Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24 4pm – St. Brigid Church 4pm – Gate of Heaven Church (Children’s Pageant) 4pm – St. Augustine Chapel 10pm – Gate of Heaven Church

Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25 8am – St. Brigid Church 9am – Gate of Heaven Church 10:30am – St. Brigid Church Please Note: There is no 12Noon or 6pm Mass on Christmas Day

Please Note: No Morning Masses on Thursday, December 26, 2019

13

14

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

OBITUARY “MANNING, Michael, “Mickey,” age 69, passed away Wednesday, December 11th, 2019. He was born and raised in South Boston, Massachusetts, and was a proud Vietnam War veteran. After his honorable discharge, he was a general contractor for many people in the Boston area. He worked for the Boston City Hall. After retiring, he joined the Leathernecks, a Marine motorcycle club that takes part in fundraisers for Marine families, such as the Toy Drive during Christmas time. Mickey enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Stephen E. Manning and Anna Webb, Spouse, Maureen Griffin, and sister Patricia Sharp. He is survived by his sister, Anna Manning; Ex-wife, Patricia D. Manning; Step-daughter, Tina L. Ainsworth; daughter, Sharon D. Gammon; 5 grandsons, James M. Manning, Jason C. Gammon, Leonard J. Gammon V, Michael J. Gammon, and Justin P. Gammon; granddaughter, Jenna L. Gammon; 2 great-grandsons, Kain Manning and Zayden Gammon, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Mickey will be interred at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors project.”

The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Establishment of Corporations, LLCs Wills & Estate Planning Real Estate Litigation Probate No Charge for Initial Consultation

82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com

Parking Spaces Available Location: East Fourth St between O and P $300./month

Contact 617-596-6268

Garage Parking Space Available Location: Columbia Road $425./month Contact 617-877-1791 or Tracyvineyard@gmail.com

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

15

Councilor Flynn Releases End of Year Report Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has released his end of the year report to update the residents of District 2 on his work during his second year in office. The report summarizes Councilor Flynn’s work on areas related to housing & development, pedestrian & public safety, social & economic justice, public health, and other quality of life issues. Councilor Flynn continues to focus on constituent services, issues that impact the everyday lives of residents, and remains committed to delivering responsive city services to the neighborhoods of his district.

“As the end of the year approaches, I’m thankful for the support of the residents of District 2. My priority as a City Councilor is to advocate for working families, our seniors, persons with disabilities, our immigrant communities and our most vulnerable,” said Councilor Flynn. “It is a great honor to represent this diverse district at the Council and I will continue to work hard every day to ensure that the residents of Boston have access to the resources and opportunities that our city offers.”

Housing and Development

Called for & held a hearing on the implementation of the Short Term Rentals Ordinance Called for & held a hearing on strengthening the Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) and increasing affordable housing Called for hearing on ways to support tenants facing eviction & displacement in Boston Opposed development projects that are unfavorable to neighbors, residents & civic groups at the Zoning Board of Appeals

Social & Economic Justice

Called for & held a hearing on the impact of the partial government shutdown on veterans & military families Called for & held a hearing on services for persons with disabilities and ensuring accessibility in our buildings, sidewalks, and public spaces.

Passed two resolutions on state bills that would help improve accessibility in housing & expand job opportunities for persons with disabilities Passed a resolution opposing the recent rule change to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits Stood with the working families of United Steelworkers (National Grid), Unite Here Local 26 (Marriott, Battery Wharf) & UFCW 1445 (Macy’s, Stop & Shop) as they sought fair wages, safe working conditions, affordable healthcare & a secure retirement.

Advocated for expansion of language access all city departments

Traffic and Public Safety

Called for & held hearing on Transportation Network Companies (Uber/Lyft) Called for & held a hearing on pedestrian crossing signals & traffic calming Called for a hearing on methane gas leaks in Boston Called for & held a working session on stray voltage harmful to residents & pets Called for a hearing on construction safety to discuss the existing safety procedures

Public Health

Called for & held a hearing on domestic violence & sexual assault Held a hearing on public health disparities in communities of color

Quality of Life

Called for a hearing on after hours construction, Called for a hearing on City services and public facilities on South Boston Waterfront

Other Actions Passed a resolution to support a state bill requiring curriculum unit on the Holocaust & genocide Passed a resolution recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders during AAPI Month in May Passed a resolution supporting children born abroad to military members and federal workers Held neighborhood coffee hours and community meetings with the Transportation Department, Department of Neighborhood Development, Boston Police Department, and the Office of Community Preservation

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 THE PRINT EDITION

I’m dreaming of....

A New Home

For A New Year.

Rooney Real Estate, LLC.

Contact us today for your dream come true.

Merry Christmas &

Rooney Real Estate, LLC.

A Happy New Year!

Rooney Real Estate, LLC.