THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
New Connections Enjoy the Magic of Season Together
Photos by “Amy Kelly Photography” “A critical component of our mission at NFLSRE (Nan Fung Life Sciences Real Estate) and for me personally, is striving to be a positive and impactful member of our community. As such, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to host the children from the South
Boston BCYF Condon Community Center (“CCC”) and especially thankful for Program Supervisor Barbara Kelly and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association for coordinating a great event. “It’s very rewarding to see the joy and happiness that the great children of
the Condon experienced in receiving their gifts and taking photos with Santa,” stated Matthew Powers, CEO NFLSRE. “Partners like NFLSRE are invaluable to the children of the South Boston community, not only because they generously made the spirit of Christmas come alive for our kids
through a festive evening of exciting events, but because they are committed to the betterment of the entire community all year long. It is clear that NFLSRE will continue to be a great neighbor, supporter, and champion for our families, said Barbara Kelly.”
More photos page 4 & 5
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Christmas Concert Benefits Hungry Neighbors
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he Christmas Concert at Fourth Presbyterian Church of South Boston framed the sunset, beginning while it was still light and finishing in the still darkness with the Candlelight Conclusion. Rev. Burns Stanfield led the amazing choir. Donations were accepted to support the church’s efforts to serve meals to hungry neighbors.
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E
ver since the First Christmas, there are hu nd red s, maybe thousands of Christmas stories that are told and retold every year. Some of them, particularly the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, go back 2023 years (as nearly as we can calculate). They tell of an evening in a small Judean town named Bethlehem – the “House of Bread”. The traditional time and date: Around midnight, as winter began and the calendar day turned into December 25. To state the obvious, all of us associate Christmas with giftgiving. Even two millennia later, we know that the gifting tradition began with the Wise Men from the East (or Kings, or the Magi, or even astrologers – whatever you choose to call them). But whatever the Wise Men are named, their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh initiated more than 2,000 years of giving at Christmas – to family, friends, colleagues, and those in need. Oddly enough, we really don’t know if there were actually three men who came from the East. All we truly
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Christmas Traditions! know is that they brought three gifts with them – gifts of great value then, and still of great value today. Twenty (20) centuries later, giving has become a powerful, meaningful, and permanent Christmas tradition. Many other Christmas customs are still observed, even though they are also quite ancient. Almost exactly 800 years ago, St. Francis of Assisi created the first manger scene with live farm animals to commemorate Christ’s birth. That was more than 1,400 years after He was born. The message here is that St. Francis took a very old tradition, and used it to create a new tradition – a manger made into a newborn’s crib, the Holy Family in a stable full of animals. We still recreate this 2,000-year-old scene, eight centuries after St. Francis did. That’s a lasting tradition, for sure. One of the Christmas stories we really like tells about an incident during World War I – “the War to End All Wars” (yeah, right!). And this story is mostly or completely true. It was Christmas Eve in 1914, and trench warfare was already underway. In that style of warfare, each side had been essentially fixed in place for
long periods. Supplies were running low. Suddenly, entrenched British soldiers heard “Silent Night” (“Stille Nacht” in German) sung by the enemy. They recognized the melody immediately. They responded. Despite military commands, which they apparently ignored, soldiers of both sides peacefully joined each other in the middle of the battlefield to share food and celebrate Christmas together, at least for a few hours. There was no better way to remember what the Angels traditionally said to the shepherds at the first Christmas: “Peace on Earth”! “To Men of Good Will”! So this year, despite some despair,
hold onto the traditions of Christmas, which are far more numerous than the few traditions – very few – we were able to quote above. Food banks are in place all around South Boston. Please support them. Cold weather is coming; many families don’t have clothes or shoes. There are homeless people in Boston. Are we justified in telling them, “There’s no room at the inn”? Have yourself a VERY (!) Merry Christmas. Pray; eat well; exchange gifts; talk and laugh a lot; enjoy your family and friends. Two millennia later, these are still the most important Christmas traditions. Remember, Christmas is the only time of year we use that joyous word “Merry”!
We wish you a
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
From, Senator Collins & Family
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
New Connections Enjoy the Magic of Season Together (Con’t from page 1)
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
State Representative David Biele
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
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From Stephen, Caroline, Kristen and Council President Ed Flynn
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Gloria Larson Named Interim Executive Director of MCCA
T
he Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) announced that the MCCA Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve Gloria Cordes Larson to serve as interim executive director. Larson, a respected business leader, lawyer, public policy expert, and former president of Bentley University, will fulfill the duties and responsibilities of managing all MCCA operations and leadership until a permanent executive director is named. She will start at the MCCA in January. Larson returns to the MCCA after serving as chair of the Board for 12 years, during which time she oversaw the construction and opening of the $850 million Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC). “Gloria is an enthusiastic, inclusive, and strong organizational leader who steps into this role with deep executive and institutional experience,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m grateful for her commitment to service to the MCCA and Massachusetts, and I am confident in her leadership
to steer an organization critical to our economy and our communities.” As interim executive director, Larson will be responsible for the daily management of the authority. She will work closely with MCCA senior management and the Board of Directors to ensure a seamless transition. “As we work toward a more equitable and welcoming future for the MCCA, it’s an honor for me to welcome Gloria back to the MCCA,” said Emme Handy, MCCA Board Chairwoman. “I look forward to working closely with her to provide a strong foundation as we seek a permanent executive director.” Larson served in various capacities in the Deval Patrick administration, including leading the governor’s Council of Economic Advisors. Her time as MCCA board chair also overlapped Governor Patrick’s time in office. “Gloria is an excellent choice. Wise, effective and values-driven, she’ll bring steady leadership to the MCCA in the months ahead. We should all take comfort
knowing she’s at the helm,” said former Governor Deval Patrick. “It’s an honor to answer the call to once again serve such a critical economic and cultural engine for the Commonwealth,” said Gloria Cordes Larson. “I’m grateful to have the confidence of Governor Healey and the board, and am eager to support their vision, leverage my expertise with the Authority, and help steer the ship through this critical time.” Larson brings to the MCCA decades of business leadership, public and private institutional experience, and a tireless commitment to women’s equity in the workplace. Larson most recently served a one-year term as President in Residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. From 2007 until 2018, Larson served as the first female President of Bentley University, located in Waltham, MA. During her tenure as President, Bentley earned university status, was named a Top 10 undergraduate business school by Bloomberg Businessweek, and launched the Gloria Larson Center for Women and Business (CWB) with a stated mission to advance
women in the organizational world. Before joining Bentley, Larson had a wide-ranging career in law, public policy and business. She served as a partner and Co-chair of the Government Strategies Group at Boston-based law firm Foley Hoag, LLP; as Secretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, and later as Secretary of Economic Affairs, under Massachusetts Governor William F. Weld; and as Deputy Director of Consumer Protection for the Federal Trade Commission in Washington. Larson currently serves on the board of Unum Group, as well as reacHIRE, a private company devoted to supporting women in the workplace. She also is a member of the boards of several national and regional nonprofit organizations, including NACD New England (emeritus member), McLean Hospital, the MA Conference for Women, and the Executive Committee of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and since 2021, the Board of Regents of UMass Global, a non-profit affiliate of UMass. The MCCA Board of Directors will share more information on the search at the January 2024 board meeting.
Happy holidays!
Warm wishes for the season, from our house to yours. /MassConvention massconvention.com
2023 6:44 AM 21, DECEMBER THURSDAY SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM 95280 Drone_Massport_SouthBoston Online_5x13.pdf 1 12/11/23
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Over Thirty and Under Three
By Carol Masshardt (The series features profiles of residents who have lived in SB for thirty years or more and those three years and under.)
L
orraine (Lorie) Walsh has deep roots in South Boston. Her father was a popular dentist on East Broadway, the site of her brother’s insurance company and the home where she now lives. However, her life as a professional singer paved the way from the New England Conservatory to Tanglewood and beyond. Her voice, beautiful and joy-filled, developed around the kitchen table in South Boston. “I remember my aunts and uncles and grandmother getting together with us, and we would all sit around and sing. My father loved to sing, and there would be two-part harmonies. It was wonderful,” she said. Her father was one of twelve and mother one of eight, and Lorie was the second of four children. Different configurations of family lived in the multifloor house, and it was distinguished by music heard from the windows. “There was always a piano in the house,” she said. “My father would keep the windows open when I sang, so his patients on the first floor could hear. I don’t know how it helped dental pain, but he loved it.” Lorie Walsh has keen memories, and naturally gracious and generous, she also is attuned to the challenges that have punctuated her life. Her mother’s insecurities, the loneliness of a boarding school at an early age, her sister’s death, and the end of her marriage surely had impact, but having a voice and a community of musicians was a constant.
“Music was my salvation and anchor,” she said, reflecting on a complicated life and a talent that never ceased. “From the conservatory I was chosen for a role in “Show Toppers” directed by Randy Newman, which lasted three years, and it was a joy. My husband to be, a physicist, came to see it, and I eventually moved with him to California and then joined the San Francisco Opera.” The list of venues and roles are too vast to list but Lorie had major roles in Cohasset, in the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and worked alongside some of the great conductors of the time, but to South Boston she returned to help care for her parents. “My daughter Kim’s birth had greatest significance in my life, and we returned to South Boston when she was a teen. The friendships she made are life long, and they were from all different homes and backgrounds. They were hard working, defended each other and had fun without getting in trouble,” she said. She also went on to develop a close relationship with Ted Finnegan, serving as the Organist from Gate of Heaven, and in recent years, has had musical collaborations with Dan McCole, Peter Golemme, Burns Stanfield, and performs with a number of community organizations. “I wish there was a cultural center where everything could come together, the arts and children and adults. There is so much talent that could be developed,” she said. It is this vision that propels her thinking more than the many daily common complaints familiar in the neighborhood. “I know there are issues with noise and parking, but I have found the young people here so helpful,” she said. Another entire story could be about the escape of her beloved cat, Eddie, and how the community of what she calls “good people,” searched long and hard resulting in a homecoming for Eddie four months later. A life of interesting opportunities, experiences and relationships in the music world are part of the extraordinary life she leads. “I am thankful and grateful for each day. Each new day unfolds something special and new,” she said. You can hear the music in Lorraine Walsh’s attitude, one that has a gentle but courageous hold on life.
Keep the holidays merry and bright. Obey the rules for a safe drone flight: • Register your drone • Never fly near any aircraft, airports or other controlled airspace without prior FAA approval • Keep your drone in sight at all times • Always fly below 400 feet • Learn the rules for Remote ID and flying over crowds
Breaking the law will lead to penalties Visit FAA.gov/UAS for more information
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
A Blessed and Merry Christmas to All!
he s t udent s i n t he SBC A Ea rly Childhood Center did a fantastic job singing a medley of favorite Christmas songs at their Annual Christmas Concert, entitled “Christmas in our Hearts”. Thank you to all our wonderful students, families, faculty, staff and all who helped the children prepare for this holiday concert. A Big Thank to Mr. Carlo Bunyi, their Music Teacher, for helping them learn the great traditional Christmas songs that they sang for their families and friends. “The Christma s Sea son gives us an opportunit y to
pause and give thanks for the hope, peace, joy and love, found in Jesus – our Saviour
and friend.” As we celebrate Jesus’ Birthday, all of us at South Boston Catholic Academy
and at the Early Childhood C enter, w i sh e ver yone a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
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Compass on the Bay Residents and Associates were Seeing PINK for Barbie Day We enjoyed cupcake decorating, Barbie history and trivia, shimmering pink lemonade, sweets and treats, and our very own LIVE Barbie and Ken photo booth, all followed by the premier of the 2023 Barbie movie! Barbie was portrayed by COTB Executive Director Caity Burke, and Ken by Director of Community Relations Dean Tricarico.
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Boston Children’s Museum Presents a Snowmazing Snowmazing! Polar Playground
Through February 25, 2024 Boston Children’s Museum is ready for winter with the help of Jack Frost and Friends. Make the Museum part of your winter fun. So much joy and wonder await visitors this season. Take a fun photo in front of an authentic 1800’s sleigh, sock skate with Jack Frost and friends, and so much more! Don’t miss out on Snow Days, fun-filled activities throughout the months of December, January, and February with winter themed programs and new wonders to enjoy and discover! Check the calendar < https://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/calendar/ > for more specifics about Snow Days at the Museum. Generously supported by The Goddard School.
Cocoa with Characters
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Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes with St. Augustine Chapel News Christmas & 4th Sunday of Advent Weekend Mass Schedule Adjusted
Thursday December 28 and Saturday December 30 9:30am, 10:30am, and 11:30am Have cocoa and meet with some of your favorite characters at our popular Cocoa with Character events. This year Cocoa with Characters will feature different characters so make sure to choose the date and session with the characters you want to meet. On Thursday December 28, everyone’s favorite “Ice Sisters” are traveling from their far away frozen kingdom to share warm hugs and enjoy some hot cocoa. On Saturday December 30, “The Green Grump” is coming down from his mountain top cave with his little Who friend to spread cheer for all to hear.
This year, once again, Christmas Eve is Sunday Evening; and the Fourth Sunday of Advent is the morning of Christmas Eve. We have adjusted the Mass schedule for that weekend, adding a Mass on Saturday, December 23rd.
Betty the Yeti
Sunday, December 24th
Thursday, December 28 2:00-3:30pm Betty the Yeti has landed in Snowport, and she’s ready for the spotlight. Her home this winter is Betty’s Blizzard Bluff, but she will be making a special guest appearance on December 28th from 2:00pm-3:30pm to visit some of her biggest fans at Boston Children’s Museum during Snowmazing. Get your cameras ready and catch her if you can! STEAM Family Workshop: LEGO Robotics Snowplow Saturday, December 30 and Sunday, December 31 10:00-10:45am, 11:00-11:45am, 2:00-2:45pm, 3:00-3:45pm Explore the basics of robotics using LEGO. Build a robot that can push the “snow” away, then try your hand at programming it.
Saturday, December 23rd 4th Sunday of Advent - Saturday, December 23rd 4:00 p.m. Mass at Gate of Heaven Church 4:30 p.m. Mass at St. Augustine Chapel 6:00 p.m. Mass at St. Brigid Church
8:00 a.m. Mass at St. Brigid Church 9:00 a.m. Mass at Gate of Heaven Church NO 10:30 a.m. or 12:00 Noon Mass in morning
Christmas Eve - Sunday, December 24th 4:00 p.m. at Gatey - Family Mass with Children’s Pageant 4:00 p.m. Mass at St. Brigid Church 4:30P p.m. Mass at St. Augustine Chapel 9:00 p.m. Mass at Gate of Heaven Church
Christmas Day - Monday, December 25th 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. Brigid Church 9:00 a.m. Mass at Gate of Heaven Church 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Brigid Church
Tuesday, December 26th -No Mass at Either Church Wednesday, December 27th 7:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Church 9:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Church
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION
ZONING HEARING The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a virtual public hearing will be held on January 17, 2024, at 9:00 A.M., in connection with a petition for approval of Map Amendment Application No. 770 and a petition for approval of the Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 147, Mary Ellen McCormack Phase I Redevelopment, filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court
Docket No.
CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION
SU23P2530EA
Estate of:
Suffolk Probate and Family Court
Henry Landsberg
24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617)788-8300
Date of Death: 10/12/2023 To all interested persons:
A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Sara Spooner
of
Auburn
MA
requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that:
Said map amendment would add the designation “D,” indicating a Planned Development Area overlay to approximately 784,080 square feet (approximately 18 acres) of land located at 10 Kemp Street in South Boston and is generally bounded by Old Colony Avenue to the east, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (“MBTA”) right-of-way to the south, Dorchester Avenue and O’Connor Way to the west, and Devine way to the north. Said Development Plan would allow for the phased redevelopment of the northern-most 18 acres of the 31-acre McCormack Development into a mixed-use, mixed-income community. The Proposed Project will comprise eight (8) new buildings, the substantial renovation of an existing structure (the “Boiler Building”) and will include up to 1,440,000 square feet of gross floor area (“GFA”) of residential, retail, community, and open space uses, and uses accessory and ancillary thereto. Building heights will range from low and mid-rise structures to a high-rise tower with the maximum height not to exceed 19 stories (199 feet). Approximately thirteen percent (13%) of the Project Site, approximately 2.48 acres, will be comprised of publicly accessible open space which will be provided in a variety of configurations, with active and passive areas and hardscaped and planted areas. This meeting will only be held virtually and not in person. You can participate in this meeting by going to https://bit.ly/BZC_ Jan172024. Copies of the petitions and a map of the area involved may be obtained from the Zoning Commission electronically, and you may also submit written comments or questions to zoningcommission@boston.gov. Interpreting services are available to communicate information at this hearing. If you require interpreting services, please contact the following: zoningcommission@boston.gov or 617-918-4308. The meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2024. Please request interpreting services no later than January 12, 2024.
For the Commission Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary
Sara Spooner
of
Auburn
MA
be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve With Personal Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before:
10:00 a.m. on the return day of 01/09/2024 .
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. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) 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.
WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date:
November 28, 2023 Stephanie L Everett, Esq., Register of Probate
PUBLISH ONLY THE CITATION ABOVE
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THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2023
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.
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